Univision names Sadusky as CEO

US Hispanic-focused media group Univision Communications has revealed the successor to the retiring Randy Falco atop the company.

Vincent Sadusky

Vincent Sadusky, former CEO of Media General, has been named CEO of Univision and will succeed Falco as of tomorrow.

Sadusky’s appointment comes after it emerged earlier this year that former NBCU exec Falco was planning to step down despite signing an extended two-year deal last November.

Falco’s decision coincided with Univision shelving plans for an initial public offering, having first tabled the idea in 2015.

The outgoing CEO, who has spent the past eight years with Univision, will remain an advisor to the company through the end of 2018.

Sadusky, meanwhile, will become a member of the Univision board of directors. He served as president and CEO of Media General from 2014 to 2017, prior to its takeover by Nexstar Broadcasting Group.

Before that, Sadusky was president and CEO of US channel operator LIN Media. He has also held several executive positions at Telemundo Communications, including chief financial officer and treasurer.

Haim Saban, chairman of the board of directors of Univision Communications, said: “Vince is distinctly qualified to lead Univision through the next phase of its growth, given his impressive track record of leadership, vision, deep industry experience and relationships.”

Univision is estimated to reach around 90 million people across its portfolio, which includes 17 broadcast, cable and digital networks. It also operates more than 125 local TV and radio stations and an array of websites following its 2016 acquisition of Gawker Media Group.

A review of the business is in the works, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that a US$200m cost-cutting plan is being explored and significant layoffs mooted.