Starz ups Hirsch and Weil

Starz has appointed Jeffrey Hirsch COO, handing him some of the responsibilities that sat with Glenn Curtis, who is retiring after a 20-year career at the premium cable net.

Hirsch joined Starz last year from Time Warner Cable, where he was has been upped from president, global marketing and product development. At TWC he was EVP and CMO, residential services.

In his new role he will oversee affiliate sales, marketing, research and programming operations, and report to Starz CEO Chris Albrecht.

The Starz boss said: “We are transforming Starz into a more innovative global entertainment brand.

“Jeff’s talent and experience will help us accelerate the transformation that began five years ago. We have made great progress in our programming, brands, subscribers and shareholder value, and the organisation is focused with an eye to the future.”

In other changes at Starz, David Weil has been promoted to chief legal officer. He has been upped from EVP and general counsel.

Glenn Curtis retires from Starz at the end of the month. The two promotions are effective immediately.