Dirk Hoogstra is Executive Vice President, Development and Programming, for HISTORY^® andH2™.  He previously served as Senior Vice President, Development and Programming for HISTORY since 2010.  He reports to Nancy Dubuc, President Entertainment and Media, A+E Networks.

Hoogstra oversees the networks’ programming teams, and manages the development, creation and execution of all programming for HISTORY and H2.  He is also charged with imaginatively integrating new programming with online initiatives, and developing innovative ways to expand the brand across multiple platforms. Under his leadership, HISTORY is the #1 factual brand and top five cable network across the key 18-49 and 25-54 demographics. And, in just 18 months, he has transformed H2 into the #1 emerging entertainment network.

In 2012, under his leadership, HISTORY launched into scripted programming. Most recently, he served as an executive producer of THE BIBLE, which premiered as the # 1 cable entertainment telecast of the year, and oversaw Vikings; HISTORY’s first scripted series, which debuted as the #1 scripted series of the year. Hoogstra was an executive producer on the network’s first scripted mini-series Hatfields & McCoys, which premiered in May 2012 and shattered ad-supported cable records.  For the three nights, it averaged an incredible 13.8 total viewers; 6 million Adults 25-54 and 4.9 million Adults 18-49.  All three nights rank as the top 3 entertainment television telecasts of all time in ad-supported cable history among total viewers. Hatfields & McCoys went on to earn five Emmy® Awards. 

During his tenure at HISTORY since 2007, he has overseen hit series and specials including American Pickers, Counting Cars, Mountain Men, Top Gear, Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy, Top Shot and Men Who Built America.

Hoogstra began his career with Discovery Communications Inc. in 1995.   Over a seven-year period he worked in Production and Development at TLC, Discovery Primetime and Discovery Networks International.   In 2002, Hoogstra left Discovery to head up Development for Brainbox Productions, an independent production company.  While there he developed and Executive Produced specials and series for Discovery Networks, HGTV, HISTORY, Style and Court TV.  In 2004 he returned to Discovery Channel as Development Producer, overseeing development and editorial on various primetime series and specials.

Speaking on: A+E's Big Three