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Previously EVP of Development at Half Yard, Dirk Hoogstra will assume the CEO role with immediate effect.

After 14 years at Half Yard, current CEO and Co-founder Sean Gallagher has decided to step down and leave the company, to pursue interests outside of the TV industry.

Half Yard Productions is a leading US producer of factual and factual entertainment including TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, which is currently in its 19th season, and multiple spin-offs including Say Yes to the Dress America; and new shows including Relatively Evil for Investigation Discovery, and Dino Hunters for Discovery.

Dirk Hoogstra says: “I am delighted to be stepping up and taking the helm at Half Yard Productions. We would all like to thank Sean for building such an impressive and creative business, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with our Chief Creative Officer, Nicole Sorrenti, and the whole team on our diverse slate of shows.”

Sean Gallagher says: “I’m so proud of what we have achieved at Half Yard over the years, and now seems a good time to try some new things, and have some fun away from TV. With such a strong slate of both long-running brands and exciting new commissions coming through, I am happy to leave the company in great shape and in the talented hands of Dirk and the fantastic team.”

Dirk Hoogstra joined Half Yard Productions in 2019 as EVP of Development. Over the last 24 years Hoogstra has worked in the media industry as a network executive and producer, holding a number of senior positions including EVP and General Manager of A&E’s History. During his run at History he developed and oversaw scripted and unscripted series including American Pickers, Counting Cars, Mountain Men, Top Gear, Hatfields & McCoys, The Bible and Vikings.

Sean Gallagher founded Half Yard Productions in 2006 with Abby Greensfelder, and took over as CEO in January 2019. Before starting Half Yard, Gallagher was SVP of Production and Development for TLC, overseeing all internal and external program development for the network. During his tenure, he launched hit series including Miami Ink and Little People, Big World. Prior to TLC, Gallagher served as VP of Development for Discovery Channel where he oversaw the network’s development efforts with specific responsibility for the development and management of the popular and successful Monster franchise, including Monster Garage and Monster House. Gallagher’s duties at Discovery included the network’s primetime production unit, where he served as executive producer on American Chopper, Dirty Jobs and MythBusters.