The Information reported on Monday that Apple execs met have met with Michael Lombardo (pictured), HBO’s former president of programming, for a discussion about Apple’s own efforts in original programming. The tech giant is reportedly looking to hire a programming chief of its own.
The Information notes that the meetings with Lombardo suggest that the former HBO exec could be a candidate. Apple has announced a few projects like the reality competition show “Planet of the Apps” and the “Carpool Karaoke” series. Hiring a programming chief would signal to the entertainment community that Apple was serious about making its own shows and movies.
Lombardo is a 33-year veteran of the premium cable channel. Promoted to his current role in 2007, he oversaw the network’s resurgence following the end of “The Sopranos” and the departure of former CEO Chris Albrecht. Under current CEO Richard Plepler, he developed a fleet of hits, Emmy winners and critical darlings that includes “True Blood,” “Eastbound & Down,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “The Newsroom,” “Girls,” “Veep,” “True Detective” and “Silicon Valley.” Lombardo’s most important legacy is “Game of Thrones.”
