Entertainment One names SVP of unscripted development amid rejig

Ben Megargel

Hasbro-owned multinational Entertainment One (eOne) has promoted Ben Megargel to SVP of development for unscripted TV.

Upped from his previous role as VP, Megargel will continue to expand the company’s unscripted slate, including titles based on Hasbro IP.

He originally joined the company in 2014 as director of development and has helped to create shows including BET+ docuseries The Impact ATL, WEtv’s Growing Up Hip-Hop franchise and upcoming Netflix competition series Easy-Bake Battle.

Megargel has also served as executive producer on Oxygen’s true crime title The Fatal Attraction Murder, WEtv reality show Brat Loves Judy and VH1’s upcoming Hall of Love: The Ultimate Dating Experiment.

“Ben’s been instrumental to the success of eOne’s unscripted division. Whether it’s developing a unique take on a beloved brand, or building strong relationships with our creative partners, Ben brings his best to work every day and I’m excited to see what he does next,” commented Tara Long, president of global unscripted TV at eOne.

The company has also promoted Valerie Dean to senior director of development for unscripted TV. Dean, who will report to Megargel, also joined eOne in 2014 and developed VH1 title VH1’s My Celebrity Dream Wedding.

Devorn Hannah has meanwhile been appointed as director of development for unscripted TV, also under Megargel, having previously served as a producer on shows including Dr. Phil and Judge Mathis.

The appointments, which were first reported by Deadline, follow the news earlier this month that eOne president and CEO Darren Throop will step down when his contract expires at the end of the year.