Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) has hired Drew Tappon for the role of head of unscripted development, programming and specials.

In his new role, Tappon will develop unscripted content across all genres for the cabler. He will report to Tina Perry, president of OWN. He takes over the role from Robyn Lattaker-Johnson, who departed OWN in April.

“Drew is one of the most talented creatives in the industry having developed and produced some of the biggest unscripted hits on television,” said Perry. “I am beyond excited to have him join OWN to bring his expertise to our growing lineup of dynamic series.”

Tappon joins OWN from 495 Productions where he was chief creative officer. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing all creative elements for the company, the slate of which includes shows like “Jersey Shore,” “Floribama Shore,” “Martha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party,” and “Double Shot at Love.”

“I can’t wait to join the team at OWN and help continue its growth,” said Tappon. “Working with the unscripted community to forge new programming for the network is the chance of a lifetime.”

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Prior to joining 495 Productions, Tappon was the senior vice president of non-fiction/alternative programming for A&E where he oversaw multiple series including the Emmy award-winning “Born this Way,” which followed the lives of young people with Down syndrome. Before that, he worked on content for Warner Horizon Television like “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” “The Voice,” and more. He also served as senior vice president of original programming and series development for MTV, working on shows like “The Real World,” “Road Rules,” among others.

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