NBCU Names International TV Production Chief

LONDON: NBC Universal International has tapped Denise O’Donoghue, the former chief executive of British indie Hat Trick, to lead its TV production efforts outside of the U.S., based in London.

As the president of international television production, a post she assumes September 14, O’Donoghue will report to Peter Smith, the president of NBC Universal International. She is tasked with leading local television productions and strategic TV content partnerships across all territories outside the U.S. O’Donoghue is the co-founder and former chief executive of Hat Trick, the venture behind hit shows like The Kumars at No. 42.

Announcing the appointment, Smith said that O’Donoghue’s unit is key to NBCU’s efforts to double its international revenues to $5 billion within the next two years. “Denise has built a highly distinguished career in the television industry and she possesses that rare combination of creative excellence and sharp business acumen," Smith said. "She has been responsible for producing some of the most defining television programming of the last two decades in the U.K. I am delighted that an executive of her vast experience, sharp instinct and good taste will now spearhead our TV production efforts and contribute to NBCU’s ongoing international growth.”

O’Donoghue’s remit includes NBCU-owned Carnival Film & Television, the British production outfit headed by Gareth Neame whose upcoming slate includes Material Girl and Enid, both for the BBC. She will also take responsibility for expanding NBC Universal’s international formats licensing business, which recently brokered a second season of Law & Order UK with ITV and Kudos, following localized versions of Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in France and Russia. She takes the place of Angela Bromstad, who is now president of primetime entertainment at NBC and Universal Media Studios.

“This incredibly exciting opportunity has induced me to return to television,” said O’Donoghue. “Working with the best ideas and their originators, within the framework of NBC Universal, is a dream job for me. I shall be focused on creating great programming from every source—be it organic, acquisition, co-production or direct commission. Good ideas remain central to my creative and commercial choices. As a producer of long-standing, I know how important it is to be commercially imaginative and creatively empathetic. I look forward to bringing that experience to NBC Universal’s international growth plans. “