McKillop exits A&E as Sharenow takes over

David McKillop has passed control of US cable channel A&E to Lifetime general manager Rob Sharenow, and will leave A+E Networks to become a producer.

McKillop (left) has been running A&E as executive VP and GM, and is credited with bringing ratings smash Duck Dynasty through and other series such as Storage Wars. However, the channel has struggled to reach those heights with newer titles.

Sharenow (below, right), currently EVP and GM of A&E’s sister channel Lifetime, now takes the post, overseeing all content creation, brand development and marketing for both channels.

Before taking over Lifetime in June 2013, Sharenow was A&E’s senior VP, non-fiction and alternative programming.  He is a 15-year A+E veteran in all.

Sharenow now reports to new A&E and History president Paul Buccieri, who recently joined the Disney- and Hearst-owned channels group from ITV Studios America, while continuing to report to A+E president and CEO Nancy Dubuc.

Buccieri said Lifetime was “undergoing a revitalisation” under Sharenow, who infamously said unscripted television was in a “creative crisis” at Realscreen last year.

Sharenow’s key series at Lifetime include drama Devious Maids, Project Runway and Dance Moms.

“After a successful twenty-five year career in television, David McKillop has made the decision to return to his roots as a producer,” said Buccieri in an internal note.

“I would like to thank David for his extraordinary contributions to both A&E and History, where he is credited with evolving the brand and developing many hit series including; Pawns Stars, American Pickers and Swamp People. I know you all join me in wishing him continued success and are excited for him to share the details of his next venture soon. I hope his future producing endeavors find a home on A+E Networks.”

McKillop had been in the post since mid-2013, and prior to that was EVP, programming at A&E and Bio, the latter of which last year rebranded as FYI. He also worked at Discovery Networks in the US.