A+E UK names ex-North One boss as programming chief

A+E Networks UK has named Heather Jones as VP of programming.

Jones, who will take up the post later this month, will be responsible for A+E Networks UK’s programming strategy across the company’s channels – History, Crime & Investigation Network, H2, Bio and Lifetime – in the UK, central Europe, Benelux, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Greece and Africa.

Jones as previously managing director of independent production company North One Television, part of the All3Media group.

She replaces previous incumbent Adam MacDonald, who is exiting to take up the role of director of BSkyB pay TV channel Sky 1.

Tom Davidson, managing director of A+E and Sky joint venture A+E Networks UK, said: “Heather Jones will bring a wealth of expertise and experience to our team. Her proven track record of driving audience growth and channel expansion across a variety of international networks and content genres makes her the perfect candidate for the role. I look forward to working with Heather on delivering an even greater range of brand-defining and innovative programming across all our networks.”

The news comes after A+E this week confirmed the long-expected launch of female-skewed Lifetime in the UK.