NBC Makes New Hire to Support Digital Media Strategy

UNIVERSAL CITY: Robert Hayes is joining NBC Entertainment in the newly created position of executive VP of digital media, as the company continues to increase its focus on multiplatform programming and marketing initiatives.

Hayes comes to NBC from Iconic Entertainment, where he’s been serving as COO. There, he created premium VOD channels for YouTube and other OTT distributors. Prior to that, Hayes was at Showtime Networks, overseeing the digital operations for the premium network. He developed multiplatform extensions for shows such as Dexter, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, Californication and The Tudors. In his new role at NBC, Hayes will oversee the network’s day-to-day digital strategy and operations. This includes NBC’s various digital platforms and initiatives, including NBC.com, social media, mobile/apps and more. He will report to Len Fogge, the president of NBC Entertainment Marketing & Digital.

Robert Greenblatt, the chairman of NBC Entertainment, said, "It’s critical that we do everything possible to light up digital media in order to help rebuild the prime-time schedule. And there’s no one better to lead this effort than Rob Hayes. I saw the effect he had at Showtime firsthand, and it’s no accident that the pay network’s explosion coincided with its digital innovations."

Ted Harbert, the chairman of NBC Broadcasting, added, "As NBC expands its digital media reach, we want to take full advantage of the synergy between programming, marketing and digital media which the interface between Rob, Len and Bob represents."

"Digital media is an essential component of NBC’s programming, marketing and monetization strategies," commented Fogge. "Rob’s demonstrated success as a creative digital media executive who understands the intersection between consumer behavior and emerging technologies makes him ideal to lead our initiatives in this area."