Javier Maynulet to Succeed Jose Ramos at WAPA-TV

Hemisphere Media Group has named Javier Maynulet to succeed Jose Ramos as president and general manager of WAPA-TV upon his planned retirement in the first half of 2018.

Maynulet comes to Hemisphere with more than 20 years of financial management and operational experience in media, with a strong focus on Spanish-language television. He most recently served as the senior VP and CFO of Univision Networks, where he was responsible for financial reporting and planning for the Networks division, as well as several emerging cable networks. He has also worked at Telemundo Media and NBCUniversal, among other organizations. Ramos will work closely with Maynulet to ensure a smooth transition.

Alan J. Sokol, the president and CEO of Hemisphere Media Group, said, “Joe is a world-class television executive who, over the last 20 years, has led WAPA’s rise as one of the leading broadcasters in the world. Under Joe’s leadership, WAPA moved from the number-three rated network in Puerto Rico to number one in under two years. Over the past three months, Joe’s strong, yet calm guidance has provided a beacon of strength and stability to co-workers and numerous others in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Because of Joe’s tireless work, WAPA never stopped broadcasting, providing Puerto Ricans on and off the island critical and timely news and information. It has been a terrific honor to work with Joe and we wish him all the best in his next phase of life.”

Ramos commented, “It has been a great honor and privilege to work and partner with the incredible team at WAPA, offering Puerto Ricans best-in-class news and entertainment. I am extremely proud of our achievements, including becoming the clear market-leader in such a short period of time, and then sustaining it for the past eight years. While Hurricanes Irma and Maria have challenged the people of Puerto Rico and our business, I have no doubt that we will overcome all obstacles, and both Puerto Rico and WAPA will emerge in even better shape than prior to the storms.

“I am also delighted that Javier has been appointed as my successor. His significant experience in managing established networks like WAPA gives me great confidence that he will serve as a strong ambassador to both the island and its people. I look forward to working closely with him to ensure a smooth transition.”

Sokol continued, “I am excited to welcome Javier. We are very fortunate to have Javier succeed Joe. Javier has vast operational and financial expertise, a deep understanding of Hispanic media and tremendous passion for Puerto Rico. I am confident in his ability to successfully build upon the strong foundation that Joe has established and I look forward to his contributions to the business and to our great team in Puerto Rico.”

Maynulet remarked, “I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to lead WAPA, particularly during a time of profound challenge and unprecedented change in Puerto Rico. Having been born and raised in Puerto Rico, I recognize the tremendous importance and potential of this market, and I welcome the opportunity to leverage my background to build upon WAPA’s leading market position. I want to thank Alan, Joe and the entire Hemisphere team for their confidence and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.”