O’Donoghue handed NBC international role

NBC Universal has hired Denise O’Donoghue, co-founder and former joint MD of UK comedy indie Hat Trick Productions, to head its international production division.

As president of international television productions, O’Donoghue, who left Hat Trick in 2006, will lead television productions and strategic TV content partnerships across all territories outside the US.

O’Donoghue takes up her role on September 14, effectively replacing Angela Bromstad, who moved back to the US in January to become president of primetime entertainment for NBC and Universal Media Studios in LA.

A key part of the division comprises Hotel Babylon and Whitechapel producer Carnival Film and TV. O’Donoghue will also take responsibility for expanding NBC Universal’s international production business.

O’Donoghue reports to Peter Smith, president of NBC Universal International. Yvonne Pilkington, NBCU’s VP of international formats, will report to O’Donoghue.

Smith said: “Denise has built a highly distinguished career in the television industry and she possesses that rare combination of creative excellence and sharp business acumen. She has been responsible for producing some of the most defining television programming of the last two decades in the UK.”

The media conglom has set a target to double non-US revenues to US$5bn within the next two years, chiefly through local TV and film production, expanding pay-TV channels and growth in key overseas markets.