A+E hires former Netflix and Universal exec

A+E Studios has hired former Netflix Brazil exec Chris Sanagustin as head of current programming.

Sanagustin will oversee a range of scripted projects for the company, including Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer and the as-yet untitled Lars Kepler project in the works for Apple TV.

She reports into Tana Jamieson, co-head and executive vice president of creative affairs, who she previously worked with on A&E series Bates Motel.

Sanagustin joins from Pine Tree Entertainment, where she served as president alongside producing partner Bill Prady, co-creator of The Big Bang Theory. 

She had previously been head of Brazilian originals at Netflix, where she led the development, production and launch of the streamer’s slate of scripted series that included shows such as Cidade Invisível, Sintonia, and comedy Ninguém Tá Olhando (Nobody’s Looking).

Before that, Sanagustin was exec vice prsident of current programming at Universal Television, where she oversaw a slate including Bates Motel, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Good Girls, Superstore, and Master of None.

She also had stints at Universal Cable Productions, SyFy and The WB Television Network.

“Chris is an exceptional creative leader whom I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating when I was on the network side so this is a full circle moment to have her join us now at the studio,” said Jamieson. “Her track record, global experience and instinct for championing bold storytellers makes her a tremendous addition to our team.”