NBC Universo poaches Discovery exec

Latin-flavoured US cable channel NBC Universo has poached a Discovery Communications exec to become its senior VP, programming and production.

Bilai Joa Silar will begin at the NBCUniversal-owned network on April 27, reporting to NBC Universo president Rubén Mendiola.

The news comes two months after NBCU rebranded mun2 as NBC Universo to coincide with the Spanish-language broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX.

Silar has been with Discovery for the past 20 years, most recently as VP, content, Discovery US Hispanic Networks. This saw her oversee Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia and Discovery’s factual portfolio in Latin America. She also led the launch strategy for preschool net Discovery Kids Latin America.

At NBC Universo, she will oversee development and production of programming and lead acquisitions. Silar will also work closely with NBCU Hispanic Enterprise and Content on programming strategy.

“Bilai is an impressive business executive with deep roots in our industry, and possesses a strong track record of successfully programming TV networks,” Mendiola said.

“Her extensive experience and strategic approach targeting Hispanics will strongly benefit NBC Universo, as we continue our evolution towards being the top cable destination for world-class sports and entertainment for US Latinos.”