Spike TV founder Albie Hecht was named Executive Vice President and GM of HLN Wednesday, replacing the recently ousted Scot Safon, who left in August after more than two decades at Turner Broadcasting.
Hecht—who takes the job on Sept. 30-will be based in New York and report to CNN Worldwide President Jeff Zucker. In his new role, Hecht will oversee all of HLN’s programming and day-to-day operations.
The Queens, NY native is currently the CEO of digital entertainment studio Worldwide Biggies.
In addition to launching Spike TV, Hecht served as President of Film and Television Entertainment for Nickelodeon, overseeing the 1997 opening of their LA-based Nickelodeon Animation Studios and Nickelodeon Entertainment, and developing the SpongeBob SquarePants brand into a global children’s powerhouse.
“I wanted someone who could build off the strength that currently exists at HLN, which is enjoying one of its highest rated years ever, and evolve the network and its fast-growing digital properties even more,” Zucker said in a statement.
Read more: The Hollywood Reporter
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