Bravo ups development exec Smith

Rachel Smith has been appointed senior vice president of development at US cable net Bravo Media.

Her new role, based in New York, will involve overseeing non-scripted development including pilots, original concepts and casting reels.

She will report to Frances Berwick, president of lifestyle networks at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.

In her previous role as senior vice president of current production for Bravo, she oversaw seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta and First Family of Hip Hop.

Before she joined Bravo in 2013, Smith was vice president of original programming at BBC America where she led the production of unscripted originals, including Wild Things With Dominic Monaghan and Royally Mad With Cat Deeley.

Smith also worked for Bravo’s development and production departments from 1999 to 2005, helping to develop The Real Housewives Of Orange County and Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.

Berwick said: “Given her track record of success and her extensive development background, she is exceptionally qualified to spearhead the development of Bravo’s next generation of top quality content.”