ITV America has recruited TNT and TBS alternative programming chief David Eilenberg to head its ITV Entertainment banner as president.
Eilenberg takes over the post that was vacated last summer by producer Orly Adelson. ITV Entertainment is home to unscripted series including Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” E!’s “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills” and A&E’s “The First 48.”
“David is one of the smartest, most well-liked and talented people in our business. With a vast creative and production background that encompasses breakthrough international franchises for network and cable alike, as well as being an experienced and artful buyer, David is in a unique position to lead ITV Entertainment,” ITV America president Montgomery said. “This is a time when the ability to adeptly and sensitively navigate a complex and changing TV landscape has never been more critical. In this regard, David Eilenberg is simply a home run for all of us at ITV.”
Eilenberg had spent the past four years as senior VP of unscripted development for TNT and TBS. He spearheaded a host of unscripted projects for the cablers and also oversaw the production of TBS’ late-night franchise “Conan” and kudocasts including the SAG Awards and AFI Life Achievement telecast. Among the shows he championed for TNT were the Dick Wolf-produced “Cold Justice” and “Cold Justice: Sex Crimes” and TBS’ “King of the Nerds.”
Before Turner, Eilenberg spent four years as head of development and current programming at Mark Burnett Productions. He had a hand in the developing and producing Burnett’s roster of hits including NBC’s “The Voice,” ABC’s “Shark Tank” and Fox’s “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?” He was also key player in setting up integration deals for “The Apprentice” during his tenure with Burnett.
“Having worked for some of the best producers and executives in television, I know what a great opportunity it is to be able to join an international entertainment powerhouse with the resources, reach and deep talent pool of ITV,” Eilenberg said.
With his departure, TNT and TBS’ unscripted efforts will fall under the direction of Brett Weitz, TBS’ exec VP of original programming.
