CMT development exec Michael Maniaci (pictured) is leaving the U.S. cable network to join U.S. prodco DiGa as director of programming and development.

The hiring comes after the reality and scripted producer’s co-founder Liz Gateley returned to the network fold as the head of programming for U.S. cable channel Lifetime.

Maniaci’s credits for CMT include the DiGa-produced The Ed Bassmaster Show, American Speed: The True Story of NASCAR, and Gainesville, which he also exec produced. Prior to joining the network he was the director of development for Pipeline 39 Entertainment.

He will report to DiGa founder Tony DiSanto and VP of production Tommy Coriale.

“His specific experience developing and producing a variety of content as both a buyer and a seller, coupled with his strong comedic sensibility, makes him the perfect fit for DiGa as we ramp up our slate of comedy and alternative formats,” DiSanto said in a statement.

In 2011, former MTV execs Gateley and DiSanto left the network to start the production company. Its credits include Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life, Celebrity Home Raiders and Girl Get Your Mind Right.