Darlow Smithson appoints A&E Television VP

IMG Media owned media company Darlow Smithson Productions has appointed Didi O’Hearn as vice president, US Productions.

O’Hearn joins Darlow Smithson from 16 years at broadcaster A&E Television Networks where she was vice president for non-fiction and alternative programming.

Tom Brisley, creative director, Darlow Smithson Productions said: "Didi is a fantastic find, a true gem in US factual programming. Her creativity, journalistic flair and understanding of the US broadcast market make her a key asset to our growth plans in the US."

Based in IMG’s New York offices, O’Hearn will report to Brisley, and will be responsible for overseeing and growing the development and production of US based commissions.

Didi O’Hearn added: "Darlow Smithson has a tremendous reputation in the US for its high-quality documentaries and factual series. I am delighted to be joining them at such an exciting phase of their evolution to help build on their US programming successes."

The appointment follows IMG Entertainment’s signing of leading Los Angeles-based TV producers Bruce Beresford Redman and Rick Hurvitz this week. The pair created the MTV series Pimp My Ride and have an extensive track record.