ITV US boss Paul Buccieri departs for A+E

Buccieri, who joined ITV in 2007 as president and chief executive of its US division, has helped turn ITV into one of the largest independent production groups in the country.

He has led its aggressive acquisition drive to buy producers including Brent Montgomery’s Leftfield Entertainment, Duck Dynasty indie Gurney Productions and Hatfield and McCoys firm Thinkfactory Media.

Buccieri oversaw the acquired producers, existing production business ITV Studios America, distribution division ITV Studios Global Entertainment and ITV Studios International which included businesses in Germany, France, Australia and the Nordics.

He is leaving to become president of A+E Networks,  reporting to chief executive Nancy Dubuc. History general manager Dirk Hoogstra and A&E general manager David McKillop, will now report in to Buccieri.

The former Fox executive has worked closely with A+E on a number of ITV series including Duck Dynasty.

“Paul and I have a longstanding professional relationship going back to our early programming days on some of A&E’s biggest hits,” Dubuc said. “He is one of those unique executives who brings both strong leadership skills and business acumen to the creative process.”

ITV will now start the search to replace Buccieri, headed by ITV Studios managing director Kevin Lygo.

“In the meantime Kevin Lygo will continue to oversee the ITV US group and will be spending more time in America as we build on our success in the US market over the last few years and continue to grow and strengthen the business creatively and commercially,” said an ITV spokesman. “We wish Paul all the best on his new role and look forward to working with him when he arrives at A&E.”