HBO has named its new leader. Casey Bloys will assume the top creative slot as president of programming at the premium network, following Friday’s news that veteran Michael Lombardo would exit. The shakeup, which left many of HBO’s top producers blindsided, comes during a whirlwind year for the former comedy executive, who was bumped up to president of series, late night and specials following the ouster of drama head Michael Ellenberg in late January. (THR)
Lombardo is segueing to a producing deal with the cabler. Bloys, who will report directly to chairman and CEO Richard Plepler, will take on oversight of all programming for HBO and Cinemax, including HBO Films, HBO Sports, HBO Documentaries and Family and HBO Entertainment (Variety)
Bloys is a well-liked, long-time HBO executive who has a long track record in development. Bloys joined the network in 2004 as director, development, HBO Independent Productions, and was promoted to vp, HIP, in 2005. In 2006, he was named vp, HBO Entertainment, spearheading the development and production of comedy series and elevated to svp in 2009 and evp in 2013. (Deadline)