Propagate Names Ivan Garel-Jones COO, Makes Two Other Key Senior Exec Hires

Ben Silverman and Howard Owens’ Propagate has hired veteran media and senior business affairs executive Ivan Garel-Jones as Chief Operating Officer. In addition, the A+E Networks-backed independent production company named Isabel San Vargas Head of Production and added Linh Le to the business development team.

Garel-Jones will oversee all legal and business affairs and operations for Propagate, reporting to co-CEOs Silverman and Owens.

Garel-Jones joins Propagate from ITV Studios’ U.S. Group (now ITV America) where he most recently served as Executive Vice President, Business Affairs. During his tenure, the company saw the acquisition of multiple production companies including Leftfield Entertainment, Gurney Productions, High Noon Entertainment, ThinkFactory Media and Diga. He also oversaw negotiations for such series as Hell’s Kitchen and Duck Dynasty.

In San Vargas’ new role, she  will oversee all aspects of production operations for Propagate, including current series, specials, pilots and development. She reports to Garel-Jones. Prior to Propagate, she was Senior Vice President, Production for Pilgrim Studios.  Her credits include The Ultimate Fighter, American Chopper and Street Outlaws and Bring It!.

Le, also reporting to Garel-Jones, will oversee strategic planning and partnership initiatives and new business ventures for Propagate, including the company’s digital and global expansion efforts. Le will also work alongside Jim Hoffman, A+E Networks’ Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, on branded content and marketing initiatives. She previously held roles with Fox Sports and National Geographic Channel.

“Over the past year, our development slate has grown significantly and a number of projects have begun production. To support and generate further growth, we are looking to build our production and management team with executives who bring diverse skills and expertise to the table. Ivan fits the bill perfectly. He was instrumental in building ITV America into the largest independent unscripted production company in the U.S. and we believe his business affairs, production and distribution experience will be invaluable to us,” said Owens and Silverman.

“I am extremely excited to be joining Ben and Howard at Propagate. It is clear that they both have a vision that goes far beyond traditional television models. With their incredible creative and commercial acumen and expertise, they form a true powerhouse,” said Garel-Jones. “I am very pleased to have Isabel and Linh as part of my team. They are smart, savvy media executives who both bring a wealth of experience to the table.”

Propagate’s development slate includes Apple’s first original unscripted television series, produced in partnership with musician and tech entrepreneur will.i.am. Among the scripted series in development are Isn’t That Rich? with ABC Studios, and Red Team for Amazon.