Knoxville-based Scripps Networks has placed the original programming creation at HGTV U.S. in the hands of HGTV Canada head Anna Gecan.

Gecan, most recently VP of content at HGTV Canada, is to relocate to New York City to oversee original programming at the U.S. channel.

Gecan is also to develop pilots for additional coproductions between HGTV U.S. and HGTV Canada, after the American channel aired HGTV Canada property-themed series including Property Virgins, For Rent, The Stagers and The Unsellables.

The two networks also coproduced the shows Buy Me and Junk Brothers.

Gecan joined what was then Alliance Atlantis Communications in 2001 as a production executive on Food Network Canada, and in 2006 shifted to HGTV Canada before it was eventually acquired by Canwest Global Communications.

Before AAC, Gecan worked as a news producer on The Journal and The National at the CBC, and as an indie documentary producer, based in London.

Gecan follows other Canadian execs south including fellow Canwest exec Zev Shalev, who became an executive producer at CBS’ The Early Show in New York City, and former Showcase exec Laura Michalchyshyn, who joined the Sundance Channel in 2005 as head of programming and marketing.

Karen Gelbart, SVP of lifestyle content at Canwest, will replace Gecan at HGTV Canada and BBC Canada on an interim basis.

Scripps Networks is a minority partner in three Canwest specialty channels: Food Network Canada, HGTV Canada and Fine Living Canada.