Spike Names Chachi Senior to Original Series Post

Spike TV has tapped Chachi Senior as its new senior vice president of original series, the network said Wednesday.

Senior, who previously has produced content for such networks as BBC America, Bravo, CMT, E!,  Comedy Central, Oxygen, Food Network, Travel, and Tru TV, will lead Spike TV’s non-scripted development team and will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day department activities, said Sharon Levy, executive vice president, original series, to whom Senior will report.

Senior previously served as CEO of Ardaban, a dedicated entertainment format company whose development is produced in conjunction with Shine America and distributed globally via Shine International. 

“Chachi is a respected veteran in this industry, with a proven track record of leading talented teams to success,” said Levy in a statement.  “Chachi joins Spike at an exciting time as the network continues to attract a gender-balanced audience with hit non-scripted series.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.