Two out in NBCU cable rejig

Comcast-owned US media giant NBCUniversal (NBCU) is restructuring its lifestyle group, resulting in the departure of two key executives from its cable channels.

Amy Introcaso-Davis

Under the restructure, pay TV channel E! will be combined with the operations of Bravo, Oxygen and Universal Kids. This will lead to the integration of E! and Bravo’s development teams under Rachel Smith, who is currently senior VP of development for Bravo. Smith will be promoted to executive VP of development for both Bravo and E!.

E!’s executive VP of development and production Amy Introcaso-Davis is consequently leaving the role she has held since arriving from GSN in 2017.

Betsy Slenzak, VP of development, will move to NBCU’s recently unveiled streaming platform Peacock as VP of development for unscripted. Jerry Leo, executive VP of programme strategy for lifestyle networks at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment & Production, is also leaving.

The news comes after the recent departure of E!’s president Adam Stotsky earlier this month, who will now not be replaced.

As part of the restructure, E! executive VP of marketing and live events, Jen Neal, has been promoted to general manager of E! News, live events and lifestyle digital.

Ellen Stone, executive VP of marketing for Bravo, Oxygen and Universal Kids, will assume responsibility for E! marketing as executive VP of marketing for the lifestyle networks.

Jennifer Geisser, senior VP of communications for Bravo, Oxygen and Universal Kids, is promoted to senior VP of communications and talent relations for the lifestyle networks.

Rod Aissa, executive VP of programming and development for Oxygen, will expand his role to also oversee production for E!, as executive VP of original programming for Oxygen and E! production. Shari Neal will continue in her role as executive VP of production for Bravo.

Val Boreland, executive VP of content strategy for the entertainment networks, will take on an expanded role as executive VP of content strategy, entertainment and lifestyle.

In a note to staff, Frances Berwick, president of lifestyle networks at NBCU, said: “Today the lifestyle group is making some changes to better organise ourselves for the future. I’m confident that this new structure, which creates multi-brand roles, will allow us to continue to grow the business and optimise our internal talent.”