In a surprise move, Susanne Daniels is leaving Lifetime

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NEW YORK -- Lifetime Networks entertainment president Susanne Daniels, who developed Lifetime Television’s hit show “Army Wives,” is stepping down from her post.

The veteran entertainment executive said that after working in the industry for the past two decades, she decided that she wanted to spend more time with her family.

“I’m just going to take a little bit of time and be a mom, and then I’d like to work again,” Daniels said in an interview. “I just think I need to take a break.”

The Lifetime executive has three children with her husband, Greg Daniels, the executive producer of “The Office,” who is now working on a spin-off of the NBC series.

Daniels’ departure comes as a surprise, as both Lifetime networks have been enjoying renewed momentum in the last year.

The second season of “Army Wives” debuted this month to record viewership. And in a much-anticipated move, pop culture phenomenon “Project Runway” is leaving Bravo to air on Lifetime in November.

In an e-mail to employees, chief executive Andrea Wong said she was “heartbroken” about Daniels’ decision to leave, adding that their collaboration “has been one of the highlights of my career.”

-- Matea Gold