EXCLUSIVE: I’ve learned that MTV‘s new president of programming Susanne Daniels has made her first major executive hire, tapping ABC Family’s VP Development and Programming Mina Lefevre as SVP and new head of scripted programming. The cable network’s current head of scripted, SVP Justin Levy, is expected to report to Lefevre. MTV had no comment. When Daniels was named president of programming of MTV in November, there was a lot of speculation whether she would bring in top executives from outside, especially people she had worked with at the WB or Lifetime. A day after Daniels’ announcement, MTV’s co-head of scripted programming, SVP Clay Spencer, was let go, leaving Levy as the solo head of scripted. Spencer had been brought in by Daniels’ predecessor David Janollari, while Levy is a homegrown MTV talent, having been at the cable network for over four years, steadily rising through the ranks. He championed the network’s breakout comedy Awkward and also has payed an integral part in the development and production of the other successful MTV series, Teen Wolf. He is now overseeing Hot Mess, the new pilot from Awkward creator/executive producer Lauren Iungerich.
Bringing in an executive from ABC Family signals a continuing focus on millennials for MTV, which has been struggling in the ratings as Jersey Shore lost its juggernaut status. At ABC Family, where Lefevre has been for 12 years, she has overseen all creative and production aspects of scripted original series, including dramas Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game and comedy Melissa & Joey. Lefevre is currently shepherding two of the network’s drama pilots, The Fosters and Socio. She also oversees ABC Family’s original movie slate.
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