Orly Adelson

This Emmy winner is capping a banner year. Adelson became ITV president in January after leaving her post of head of Dick Clark Productions, and she set to work scripting a string of successes. Highlights include a 25 percent increase in the project slate during her first six months, and the launch of two straight-to-series projects—”The Good Witch” and “Texas Rising”—that assert ITV’s role in scripted space. Unscripted continues to thrive with signature shows “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Kitchen Nightmares” and “The First 48,” plus new shows and spinoffs.  When not in the office Adelson can be found hiking, checking out a gallery or unsurprisingly “in my home office reading books and scripts.”

What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?

“True Detective” set a new standard that allows us today to attach major movie stars to series, with them understanding that they can do 8-10 episodes without having to commit to many years on a regular series. Therefore, the pool of actors for cable television has grown much bigger.

How do you define a successful career?

What defines a successful career can be looked at two ways – the individual and the measurement by one’s peers. I tend to look at the one that is personal. From my point of view, success is finding a way to maximize your creative abilities in the thing you are most passionate about and to take the risks that will ultimately define your career.

When not in the office, where are we most likely to find you?

You’ll find me out on a hike, exploring galleries, hanging with friends and in my home office reading books and scripts.