Hoogstra Upped to EVP of Development and Programming for History, H2

Was EP for 'Hatfields & McCoys' and oversaw development of upcoming series 'The Bible' and 'Vikings'

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/28/2013 2:51:27 PM

Dirk Hoogstra has been promoted to executive VP of development and programming for History Channel and H2.

He will continue to oversee the networks' programming teams and manage the development, creation and execution of all programming for both networks.

Hoogstra was an executive producer on History's first-ever scripted project, the miniseries Hatfields & McCoys, which broke ad-supported cable records. Sunday, the network will debut miniseries The Bible, and its first-ever scripted series Vikings.

"Dirk is one of the fastest rising stars in the business," said Nancy Dubuc, president, entertainment and media, A+E Networks. "Creative and entrepreneurial, he has built one of the best programming teams in the business and his deep relationships with the creative community have helped catapult History into the top echelons in the industry. And, in just 18 months, he has transformed H2 into the No. 1 emerging entertainment network. I am delighted he is getting the recognition he deserves for all his accomplishments over the last few years."

Hoogstra had previously served as senior VP of development and programming for History since 2010. He first joined History Channel in 2007.