Universal Networks International Names Marketing SVP

LONDON: Nicoletta Gelli has been hired by Universal Networks International (UNI), NBCUniversal International Television's international channels' division, as senior VP of marketing.

In her newly created role, Gelli will oversee marketing and digital activity for the company's portfolio of pay-TV channels around the globe, including such brands as Universal Channel, Syfy, 13th Street, Studio Universal, E! Entertainment Television, DIVA and Telemundo. She will work out of London under Lee Raftery, NBCUniversal International's executive VP of marketing and communications. Her appointment is effective as of this week.

Previously, Gelli served as head of Brand Compass, a brand consultancy company she established in 2011. Prior to that, she spent 13 years working for Disney Channels, including as VP of brand marketing for Disney Channels EMEA. Earlier in her career, she was an employee of Telepiù and later Sky Italia.

"Gelli is a key appointment to Universal Networks International's leadership team," noted Raftery. "Her extensive experience in driving the performance of a range of channels' portfolios—via commercial savvy and innovative marketing—will be a tremendous asset to UNI as we invest in the ongoing growth of our channels' business."

Gelli added: "I have long admired Universal Networks International's strong portfolio of brands. It's a fantastic opportunity for me to join the UNI team as the business continues its razor-sharp focus on strengthening the performance of its channels around the globe."