Entertainment One (eOne) has appointed David Shaye to the role of VP of development for U.S. alternative programming at eOne Television, and has penned first-look deals with reality producers Kevin Healey, Riaz Patel and Ben Bitonti.

The hire and deals are part of the company’s strategy to bolster its alternative programming division, which launched in 2012.

In his new position, Shaye – who was previously VP of development at California-based prodco Evolution Media – will work with Tara Long, SVP of alternative programming at eOne Television, and other division executives to build on the group’s existing slate of unscripted series and develop new series ideas. Shaye will report directly to Long.

At Evolution, Shaye also worked as a co-executive producer on E!’s upcoming Botched and ABC Family’s Beverly Hills Nannies. Prior to that position, he was at MTV overseeing shows with Jennifer Lopez, Ashton Kutcher and others, and also worked at Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions.

In addition to Shaye’s appointment, eOne Television is bringing in more creative resources for its alternative programming division through first-look agreements with producers Healey, Patel and Bitonti.

Healey has created, written, developed and produced shows including Syfy’s Scare Tactics, Betty White’s Off Their Rockers and Fox’s Mobbed with Howie Mandel, while Patel’s  series credits include the U.S. version of How to Look Good Naked for Lifetime, Family S.O.S. with Jo Frost for TLC and Why Can’t I Be You? for MTV.

Finally, Bitonti is the founder of Moneystache Entertainment, and has created and developed pilots, series and specials for E!, VH1 and WE tv, among others.

– From Realscreen