David McKillop

David McKillop was appointed executive vice president and general manager of A&E Network in June 2013. In his role, McKillop is responsible for strategic planning, programming, development, marketing and brand development for the flagship A&E Network. Prior, McKillop served as executive vice president, programming, for A&E & BIO Channel since April 2011.In this role, McKillop oversaw the network’s scripted and nonfiction programming teams, and was responsible for the development, creation and execution of all programming for A&E and BIO Channel. He was also charged with imaginatively integrating new programming with on-line initiatives and developing new ways to expand the brand across multiple platforms.

During his transition to A&E, McKillop played an integral role in developing the current #1 nonfiction series on cable, Duck Dynasty, which is cable’s most-watched nonfiction series of all time. In addition to Duck Dynasty, McKillop also served as executive producer for the record-breaking hit series Storage Wars, as well as overseeing the production and development of the critically acclaimed original scripted drama series Bates Motel.

Previously, McKillop was senior vice president, development and programming at History. Under his tutelage, History experienced its best ratings performances ever as he launched the network’s top 10 series and top six specials of all time. 2010 was History’s best year ever, and for the first time in its history the network ranks in the top 5 among all four of its key demos out of all ad-supported cable networks. 

McKillop also served as the executive producer of History’s top series including, Pawn Stars, Ice Road Truckers, American Pickers, Ax Men and Top Gear. He was also an executive producer of numerous acclaimed and top-rated History specials, including the Primetime Emmy Award winners Gettysburg and 102 Minutes that Changed America. 

Prior to History, McKillop served as the vice president, factual programming, Discovery Networks U.S. Production. McKillop was responsible for strategic planning, management and execution of factual program production across Discovery Communications, Inc.’s U.S. networks. Under his leadership, Discovery’s flagship network, Discovery Channel, earned critical and ratings success for the original series Futureweapons, Man vs. Wild and Stunt Junkies.

Previously, McKillop was the vice president of production for Discovery Channel.  In that role, he was responsible for the management of the production team, budgets and the creative process. In addition, he supervised many of the network’s top specials and series including Dirty Jobs and Mythbusters. 

During his tenure at Discovery Channel, McKillop served as senior executive producer, working with the programming and development groups to create many of Discovery Channel’s groundbreaking programming projects, including Deadliest Catch and Monster Garage.  

Earlier in his career, McKillop ran his own production company, Big Rock Productions, based in Washington, D.C. During that time, he produced several projects for Discovery Networks, among them the Emmy-nominated Discover Magazine, and the ratings blockbuster special The Future Is Wild. Prior to that, he served in various production positions at National Geographic Television and its Explorer Series and National Geographic Specials.