Nellie Andreeva

Universal Cable Prods.’ SVP Current and Development Chris Sanagustin is moving to sister studio Universal Television as head of Current Programming.

This is a new position as the studio’s comedy and drama departments handled both development and current duties. But Uni TV had been mulling the appointment of a dedicated current executive in light of its increased volume: the studio is adding eight new series heading into next season on top of its returning ones. Showtime’s Pearlena Igbokwe was seriously considered for the job but was ultimately given the reigns of NBC’s drama department. “Chris has demonstrated an impressive talent for nurturing shows on air and helping them succeed and grow throughout her career at UCP and Syfy,” said Uni TV’s EVP Bela Bajaria, to whom Sanagustin will report. “She has earned the respect and admiration of  the creative community for her storytelling instincts in both comedy and drama.”

At UCP, Sanagustin oversaw such scripted series as Syfy’s Warehouse 13, Eureka, Alphas and the upcoming Defiance.  Prior to UCP, Sanagustin was a programming executive at Sci Fi Channel (now Syfy). Before joining NBCUniversal, she was SVP of Current Programming at The WB Television Network.

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