HBO taps Lombardo as top creative exec

June 04, 2007 The move effectively would position Lombardo, currently executive vp business affairs, production and programming operations, as the top exec on the creative side, overseeing current programming chiefs including HBO Films president Colin Callender and entertainment president Carolyn Strauss. The elevation of Lombardo, a 24-year HBO veteran, fits with expectations that Time Warner will divvy up Albrecht's duties among several key players and structure management along similar lines in place when current Time Warner president and COO Jeff Bewkes ran the network. Lombardo is not expected to be considered for the CEO position, which insiders are betting will go to one or more of a quartet of HBO vets including COO Bill Nelson, currently interim CEO; executive vp Richard Plepler; Harold Akselrad, general counsel and executive vp legal, business affairs and film programing; and Eric Kessler, president of sales, marketing and business development.

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