NBCU rejigs lifestyle networks out of US

Keeping Up With The Kardashians

NBCUniversal is consolidating operations for cable channel E! under Bravo and Oxygen in a major restructure of its Lifestyle Networks group.

Around 45 jobs are expected to be affected by the latest round of lay-offs, which sees the departures of Amy Introcaso-Davis, EVP of development and production at E!, and Jerry Leo, EVP of programme strategy for NBCU’s Lifestyle Networks group and production for Bravo.

Frances Berwick, president of NBCUniversal’s Lifestyle channels, said in a memo to staff that the restructuring creates “multi-brand roles” that will allow the business to grow and “optimise our internal talent”.

Effective immediately, Bravo and E! will combine their development teams, overseen by Rachel Smith, currently SVP of Bravo development, who will now serve as EVP development for Bravo and E!.

Rod Aissa, currently EVP programming and development for Oxygen, will expand his role to also oversee production for E! as EVP of original programming, Oxygen and E! Production. Shari Levine will continue in her role as EVP Production, Bravo.

Elsewhere, Jen Neal, previously EVP of marketing and live events for E!, has been promoted to GM of E! News, Live Events and Lifestyle Digital. Ellen Stone, currently EVP marketing for Bravo, Oxygen and Universal Kids, will assume responsibility for E! marketing as EVP marketing Lifestyle Networks, creating a singular marketing team across all four Lifestyle brands.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Geisser, SVP communications for Bravo, Oxygen and Universal Kids, is adding E! to her role, as well as overseeing talent relations. She has been promoted to SVP communications and talent relations for the Lifestyle Networks.