Lifetime taps MTV alum Liz Gateley as head of programming

Veteran producer Liz Gateley, behind such series as MTV’s “Laguna Beach,” has been tapped as Lifetime’s new head of programming.

Her appointment marks a return to homebase. She got her start on the network’s development team before her run at MTV, where she served as head of series development from 2003 to 2010.

Until now, Gateley has served as the co-founder of New York-based production company DiGa, with MTV’s former head of programming Tony DiSanto. Her new position leaves the ITV-controlled production company, behind such hits as “Teen Wolf,” in the hands of DiSanto.

At Lifetime, which is part of A+E Networks’ portfolio of cable channels, Gateley will oversee content creation for the network and its affiliated brands including movies, scripted series and nonfiction teams.

“I am so excited to return to Lifetime,” Gateley said. “It’s such a strong brand and one I know and love.”

The new role has Gateley filling the void left by Executive Vice President and General Manager Robert Sharenow following his promotion this year to oversee programming, marketing and branding for A&E Network, in addition to Lifetime. Gateley will report to Sharenow.

Sharenow touted Gateley’s track record at MTV, noting her “successful run transforming [the] network” with hits such as “Laguna Beach” and its spinoffs “The Hills” and “The City.” Other notable titles under her tenure include “Teen Mom,” “Jersey Shore” and, under her production banner, scripted fare such as current hit “Teen Wolf.”

“She is a multi-skilled executive who has proven to have an uncanny ability to hone in on the zeitgeist and help define popular culture,” Sharenow said. “I know she will be a great collaborator with my amazing team to help take Lifetime to the next level, across all platforms.”

The news follows last month’s announcements that History channel alum Elaine Frontain Bryant had been tapped as the new head of programming for A+E Networks’ struggling flagship network, A&E; as well as the appointment of Paul Cabana, who came from H2 (History’s sister network), as head of programming for History.

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