Syfy has given a promotion to one of the key players behind the cable channel’s hit “Sharknado” franchise. Deadline.com reports that the network promoted Chris Regina to senior vice president, program strategy, Syfy and Chiller.

Regina is one of the designers of the network’s acquisitions strategy, which includes the “Sharknado” franchise, the report notes.

Regina, who joined Syfy in 1998, will report directly to Dave Howe, the president of Syfy and Chiller.

“In his newly expanded role, Regina will oversee Syfy and Chiller’s program planning and strategy, original-movie development and production, and scheduling,” the story notes. “He also will oversee Syfy’s acquired international and domestic co-productions ranging from the series ‘Z Nation’ to such programs as ‘Lost Girl,’ ‘Bitten,’ ‘Continuum,’ and the upcoming ‘Olympus.’”

Chris Regina