NBC brushes up new role for Groom

NBC in the US has rejigged its alternative programming department, promoting three senior execs including its chief, Jenny Groom.

Jenny Groom

Groom, senior VP of alternative programming and development, has had her remit extended to include oversight of the alternative department, reporting to Paul Telegdy, president of NBC Entertainment’s alternative and reality arm.

Groom replaces Meredith Ahr, who became president of NBC’s unscripted arm Universal Television Alternative Studio in 2016, and will oversee all current and alternative shows.

Senior VP of publicity Lesley Cerwin has been promoted to senior VP of current programming and Shelby Shaftel, who previously worked on The Voice, has been named VP of programming and development. Both will report to Groom.

Telegdy said Groom had “emerged as the natural leader for the NBC alternative programming team. She has been a huge part of the success we have enjoyed at NBC, having headed up development for nearly five years and now adds the management of the wider department to her duties.”