Remits at soon-to-launch cable unit fall across brands including USA Network, E!, SyFy and MSNBC
Comcast has unveiled a raft of senior programming and acquisition appointments for its soon-to-be spun-off cable business Versant (fka SpinCo).
The US telco has appointed six former NBCUniversal execs to work under the previously announced Val Boreland, who is president of entertainment of the newly formed unit that holds cable brands including USA Network and E!.
Michael Sluchan, whose credits across his 25-year NBCU career include Mr Robot and Suits, becomes senior vice-president of scripted content, overseeing the genre across all of Versant’s networks.
Sluchan was most recently exec vice-president of scripted series, movies, daytime, kids and co-pros for NBCU TV and streaming.
Other key changes see Susie Kricena becoming SVP of content acquisitions for entertainment, with a remit across the division’s programming and licensing strategy.
Cori Abraham has been confirmed as SVP of unscripted, with responsibility for development and current programming across Oxygen True Crime, USA Network, SyFy and E!. She will also be interim department lead.
Jenny Depper is SVP of digital for entertainment, spanning USA, E!, Oxygen and SyFy.
Rebecca Vazquez-Rhodes has been named SVP of programming strategy for entertainment, and Janice Ferrell is SVP of production and operations.
Versant is led by chief exec Mark Lazarus and houses MSNBS and CNBC, alongside cablers USA, E!, Oxygen and SyFy. Reports suggest other brands could be acquired although no moves have yet been made.
Boreland said in a note to staff: “These leaders will work in close partnership with me and our Entertainment teams to strengthen our dynamic lineup of bold original series, fan favourites and engaging content across platforms. These appointments reflect the depth of talent and experience driving our business forward.”
Comcast revealed its plan to spin off NBCU cable networks in November and subsequently named its top exec ranks under Lazarus, with David Pietrycha becoming chief revenue and business officer and Jeff Mayzurk appointed president of operations and technology.
Kristin Newkirk is chief financial officer of TV networks, Greg Wright is chief accounting officer and controller, Keith Cocozza has been appointed comms chief and Brian Dorfler will head up HR.
The spin-off, which has already seen execs including Peacock president Kelly Campbell leaving the company, expects its news, sports and entertainment networks to reach around 70 million US households.
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