MUMBAI: Tracy Katsky has joined HBO US as its senior VP. She will also head its independent productions division.

Katsky will be responsible for the development and production of all programming under the HBO Independent Productions (HIP) banner. Lead by Katsky, HIP's traditional role of developing and producing comedies for US networks will expand to include the parent HBO.

Katsky added, "Working in this business, you can't help but hear wonderful things about working at HBO with Carolyn Strauss (HBO Entertainment president) and her team. HBO is known for producing distinctive quality programming.

"It is a very exciting challenge to find a multi-camera show that fits into that brand. It's also an amazing opportunity to both be able to produce programming for other networks and for HBO,"

Katsky has vast experience in the comedy genre. She formerly oversaw the development of all new comedy series for Fox. She joined the Rupert Murdoch owned network four years ago as the senior VP comedy development. Her projects at Fox included shows like Arrested Development, Bernie Mac, and Andy Richter Controls the Universe.

Prior to Fox she held a similar position at Regency Television, where she worked since 1998. At Regency she helped develop the hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, among other programmes. In India the show airs on Star World.