History Promotes Dirk Hoogstra to Exec VP Development and Programming

History's Dirk Hoogstra has been upped to executive vp development and programming at the cable network and sister channel H2.

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Hoogstra, who had been senior vp since 2010, has overseen the network's roster of unscripted hits as well as scripted launch Vikings and upcoming docudrama The Bible.

“Dirk is one of the fastest-rising stars in the business,” said A+E Networks president of entertainment and media Nancy Dubuc. “Creative and entrepreneurial, he has built one of the best programming teams in the business, and his deep relationships with the creative community have helped catapult History into the top echelons in the industry. And in just 18 months, he has transformed H2 into the No. 1 emerging entertainment network. I am delighted he is getting the recognition he deserves for all his accomplishments over the last few years.”

Hoogstra will continue to report to Dubuc, overseeing and managing the network's programming teams and development slate. He'll also be working on integrating web and digital initiatives to tie into the History and H2's catalog of programming.

In addition to overseeing the ambitious launch of Vikings, premiering March 3, Hoogstra served as executive producer on History's landmark miniseries, Hatfields & McCoys. It was the most-watched entertainment event on cable in 2012, averaging 13.8 million total viewers, 6 million adults 25-54 and 4.9 million adults 18-49 over three nights.

Hoogstra has been with History since 2007. He previously worked in development at Discovery Communications and Brainbox Productions.