Longtime ABC Family programming executive Kate Juergens is departing the network, ABC Family president Tom Ascheim announced Tuesday in an e-mail to staff.
Juergens, who joined the network in 2004, was responsible for the development of the network’s biggest hits over the past decade including Pretty Little Liars, Switched At Birth, Twisted and The Fosters. Juergens was named the network's chief creative officer in 2013.
ABC Family president Tom Ascheim said in a staff e-mail that Juergens wanted to explore new opportunities outside of ABC Family.
“I was disappointed but really understand anyone’s yen for a change of scene,” said Ascheim in the e-mail. “I asked her to please stay on through pilot season and the summer launches and she graciously agreed. Kate just handed me our pilots – her best work she thinks – and so having fulfilled her promise it’s time to let her go and explore.”
Acheim also announced that Lynn Stepanin, the network’s senior vice president, acquisitions and scheduling, is leaving the network as part of a network re-organization. ABC Family is combining its Business Strategy, Planning & Development and Scheduling & Acquisitions division under one roof, according to Ascheim, who will announce a new leader for the department in the near future.
“Lynn has always given us her very best and I wish her all the enormous success she deserves.” Ascheim said in the e-mail.
