Turner cablers TNT and TBS have completed the restructuring of programming operations with the appointments of four execs in development and production posts.
The changes in the exec teams come in the wake of Fox and NBC alum Kevin Reilly signing on in January as president of TBS-TNT and chief creative officer of Turner Broadcasting. Reilly made the decision to split TNT and TBS’ programming execs into two distinct units. Brett Weitz was tapped to oversee the comedy-focused TBS as exec VP of original programming while producer Sarah Aubrey was recruited as VP of original programming for TNT.
At TBS, Thom Hinkle has been promoted to senior VP of original programming. He’d been with TBS since the fall of 2013 after stints running Steve Carell’s Carousel Television banner and as a producer. He reports to Weitz, who had a cheeky comment on his promotion as befitting comedy execs.
Hinkle’s “taste for great material and eye for talent will be the key driver as we push the network into the future,” Weitz said. “I only wish he wasn’t so mean to me.”
Joey Chavez has moved from NBC to TNT as senior VO of original programming. He’s coming off a seven-year run at NBC where he recently helped develop “The Blacklist” and shepherded “Parenthood” and “Revolution,” among other shows. Based in Los Angeles, Chavez reports to Aubrey and will work alongside TNT senior VP Sam Linsky.
“Joey has an impressive track record of developing high-quality, buzzworthy dramas,” Aubrey said. “We look forward to him bringing those fresh voices and ideas to TNT’s development slate.”
Robin Pelleck has signed on as VP of digital content for TBS and TNT originals. She will focus on custom content and digital extensions for shows from both cablers. She was director of custom content for TNT and TBS. In her new role she reports to Linsky.
“As TBS and TNT continue to expand our multiplatform offerings, Robin is the ideal person to lead the execution of these valuable digital assets,” Linsky said.
Meredith Zamsky has been named VP of production for TNT, overseeing physical production matters for TNT series. The appointment is a sign of Turner’s intent to ramp up the volume of in-house production of scripted series. Zamsky reports to Mark Weissman, senior VP of production.
“It’s rare to find someone with the wealth of production experience Meredith brings to her new role at TNT and TBS,” Weissman said. “She is an incredibly organized and energetic producer and an extremely valuable addition to our team.”
