"True Blood" co-executive producer Mark Hudis will replace Alan Ball as showrunner should HBO order a sixth season for the vampire series, according to Deadline.

Following the conclusion of Season 5, Ball will move to a consulting and advising role in the event of a renewal. The change is part of HBO's overall deal with Ball signed in July 2011.

"'True Blood' has been, and will continue to be, a highlight of not only my career but my life," Ball said earlier this year. "Because of the fantastic cast, writers, producers and crew, with whom I have been lucky enough to work these past five years, I know I could step back and the show will continue to thrive as I look forward to new and exciting ventures."

Ball, who penned "American Beauty" and spearheaded HBO's Emmy-winning drama "Six Feet Under," will shift his focus to executive producing "Banshee," Cinemax's first in-house series.

Hudis has worked on "True Blood" since Season 4.

The series follows waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) -- who can hear people’s thoughts -- and her relationship with vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) as they navigate the abundant supernatural threats bearing down on the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps.

It also stars Alexander Skarsgård, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Nelsan Ellis, Rutina Wesley, Chris Bauer.

Season 5 premieres on HBO June 10.