Smester to lead programming and content development at NBCU Telemundo

NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises has appointed Sandra Smester as exec VP of programming and content development.

Sandra Smester

In this newly created role, Smester joins the company to oversee the development and execution of programming for the network, beginning in August.

Smester will report to Ronald Day, president of entertainment and content strategy at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises.

Smester will be responsible for primetime and daytime programming, content acquisitions, programme planning and scheduling, and the company’s cable network Universo.

She will leverage more than 25 years of experience in programming Spanish-language content for US Hispanic audiences to lead content programming across Telemundo networks.

In her role, Smester will be responsible for both long- and short-term programme planning and scheduling, while working closely with future development and current production teams, as well as Telemundo Global Studios.

Day said: “She’s achieved impressive results at every stage of her career and is uniquely positioned to power Telemundo’s continued leadership, overseeing our best-in-class programming serving Latino audiences.”

Smester most recently served as exec VP and chief content officer at TV Azteca, where she oversaw content and distribution across the network’s linear and streaming offerings and drove the growth of the company’s share in Mexico, Latin America, Europe and in the US Hispanic market.

Previously, Smester was exec VP and general manager of Azteca Uno and held a series of leadership positions at Univision Communications, advancing to the role of exec VP of programming.