The cable channel BET has appointed a new president of programming, giving the duties to Stephen Hill, the network’s president of music programming and specials, reports Deadline.com.

That will fill the vacancy left with the departure of Loretha Jones in September, the story notes. Hill will continue to work in New York and report to Debra Lee, chairman and CEO of BET Networks.

“I have worked with Stephen for over 15 years, and his passion for the BET brand has been apparent from the very beginning,” Lee said.

Hill was previously responsible for BET’s music shows and specials, including the BET Awards.

Stephen Hill