Maureen Taran has been named executive in charge of talent for truTV, responsible for overseeing all talent logistics and casting initiatives for the network including talent participation in events, marketing efforts, digital/social initiatives, ad sales and public relations campaigns, the network said in a release.
Taran had been vice president of management and production at New Wave Entertainment, where she cultivated a roster of new and established stand-up comedians, actors, writers and acquisitions, as well as serving as executive in charge of scouting and developing and overseeing comedy specials. Taran is based in New York and reports to Marissa Ronca, senior vice president of development & original programming, truTV.
"Maureen is a highly respected and seasoned executive with remarkable instincts and an eye for talent," said Ronca. "I can think of no better person for the job. We are thrilled she is joining the truTV team."
Prior to her role at New Wave Entertainment, Taran was the vice president of original programming at EPIX, where she worked on specials with such comedians as Louis C.K., Kevin Smith, Craig Ferguson and Eddie Izzard. Her efforts increased awareness and viewership for the network, as well as increasing website traffic by more than 2 million unique visitors. Taran also was vice president at Barry Katz Entertainment Group, where she guided the careers of Dave Chappelle, Jim Gaffigan, Wanda Sykes, Tracy Morgan, Dane Cook and Jay Mohr.
