Longtime programming president Michael Lombardo is exiting the premium cable network, sources confirm to The Hollywood Reporter. The news, about which HBO is declining to comment, comes 33 years into Lombardo's tenure at HBO, and nine into his run as programming president. It also comes some three and a half months after his underling, executive vp drama development Michael Ellenberg, was pushed out in the first sign that change was afoot at HBO.

 

Former comedy head Casey Bloys was upped at that time to president of series, late night and specials, and multiple insiders suspect he will now ascend to Lombardo's perch. Though Bloys is no doubt green for a role of such range and significance, he, too, has a history with the company (he joined in 2004) and is well liked internally. Two sources suggest a formal announcement is likely to come early next week, and Lombardo is expected to secure a producing deal at the network as former HBO execs Sue Naegle and Carolyn Strauss did before him.

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