Lifetime Networks Snags Disney Channel Exec

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Lifetime Networks has named Scott Garner, one of the primary architects behind the Disney Channel ratings hits such as “Hannah Montana,” “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2,” as its new Senior Vice President, Planning, Scheduling and Acquisitions, effective immediately.

Based in Los Angeles and reporting to Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment, Lifetime Networks, Garner will oversee all scheduling for Lifetime Television and Lifetime Movie Network, the two most-watched women’s networks, as well as Lifetime Real Women. In addition, he will also oversee the acquisition of all long-form movies and off-network series content for Lifetime Networks.

In making the announcement, Daniels said, “An executive who is truly at the top of his game, Scott’s extremely well-respected in the industry. His keen scheduling and programming insights will be a huge asset to all of our networks.”

At Disney Channel, Garner was Senior Vice President, Programming, and was involved in the planning, scheduling and stunting of such series as “Hannah Montana,” “Cory in the House,” “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” “That's So Raven,” “Kim Possible” and “Lizzie McGuire,” among others. He was also a key contributor to the tremendous success of the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, including “High School Musical,” “High School Musical 2”and “The Cheetah Girls 2.” He also oversaw the planning and scheduling of the Playhouse Disney line-up, including the original series “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “My Friends Tigger & Pooh” and “Little Einsteins,” as well as the acquired series “The Doodlebops” and “The Wiggles.”

Garner was responsible for all programming content on Disney Channel, Playhouse Disney, Toon Disney and the action/adventure Jetix block on Toon Disney. He also oversaw the programming of emerging platforms including iTunes, mobile content, Disney Channel on Demand and the broadband player.

He joined Disney Channel as Director, Research, in 1999. In 2000, he was promoted to Executive Director and, in 2003, was promoted to Vice President of Programming. He became Senior Vice President in 2005. Prior to Disney Channel, Garner was Director, Research at Cartoon Network.

Garner has a Master of Arts degree in Communications from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French from Emory University.