Discovery promotes HGTV, Food Network execs
January 17, 2019
Discovery has announced the promotion of veteran lifestyle programmers Loren Ruch, Betsy Ayala and Lynn Sadofsky within its HGTV and Food Network brands.
Ruch is promoted to Group SVP of Production & Development for HGTV based in New York, while Ayala is promoted to SVP of Production & Development for HGTV based in Knoxville, both reporting to network president Allison Page. Sadofsky is promoted to SVP of Production & Development for Food Network based in New York, reporting to network president Courtney White.
“Loren and Betsy are each amazing storytellers, with a knack for understanding what brings our viewers back every night of the week,” said Page. “These well-deserved promotions reflect our strategic efforts to further strengthen the brands with distinct leadership, ensuring our flagship networks continue to entertain and inspire our passionate fans.”
White added: “As a respected and skilled leader in the industry, Lynn’s impressive career is a testament to her dedicated work ethic, attention to creative detail, and keen eye for talent. Her collaborative nature invigorates our team, which shows in the final product.”
Ruch most recently served as SVP of Programming, Partnerships and Special Projects across five Discovery lifestyle brands – HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, and Great American Country – where he has developed and overseen many of the networks’ high-profile series and pilots.
Since joining the company in 2016, Ayala served as VP of Programming for HGTV and Food Network, managing the development and production of various series and specials for both networks, plus their flanker brands DIY Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.
In Sadofsky’s previous post as VP of Programming and Development for Food Network and Cooking Channel since 2017, she worked with programmers to develop new series, manage show production and cultivate new talent.