HBO Elevates Bloys, Ellenberg to EVP of Programming

HBO has promoted Casey Bloys and Michael Ellenberg, its top comedy and drama executives, respectively, to executive VP of programming.

Bloys will continue to oversee the development and production of all comedy series, specials and talk shows, while Ellenberg has oversight for all drama series for the premium network. Both will now directly report to HBO programming president Michael Lombardo.

The promotions come on the heels of the departure of entertainment president Sue Naegle, who left to launch her own production company, securing a first-look deal at the pay cable network.

COO Eric Kessler is also leaving the company, with his position being eliminated.

"Both Casey and Michael already have proven track records and have been pivotal in developing one of the strongest series slates in HBO history," said Lombardo. "They are recognized throughout the industry as two of the most talented entertainment executives and, equally important, valued within the company for their leadership and strategic vision."

Bloys has been with HBO since 2004 and has lead comedy development since 2006, overseeing the development of current comedies Veep and Girls, as well as Entourage.

Ellenberg joined HBO in 2011 to head up drama series as senior vice president of HBO Entertainment, overseeing series Game of Thrones, True Blood, Boardwalk Empire and Treme. He also oversaw development of HBO's upcoming True Detective and The Leftovers.