The guessing game about Bonnie Hammer’s next job is over.
With her contract as head of NBC Universal’s top two cable networks expiring, the company was looking for new titles and new responsibilities to give Ms. Hammer to keep her in-house.
On Monday, NBC Universal came up with the answer, naming Ms. Hammer president of cable entertainment and cable studios.
In addition to overseeing USA and Sci Fi, Ms. Hammer will be in charge of the portion of Universal Media Studios that creates programming for cable.
She also adds responsibility for the company’s Emerging Networks group, which includes. Sleuth, Chiller and Universal HD.
She will sit on the boards of the cable companies in which NBC has investments, including A&E Networks, Shop NBC and the Sundance Channel.
“I’m thrilled to reup at NBCU, where I’ve got, from my point of view, the best job in the business,” Ms. Hammer said. “It’s an exciting new opportunity not only to manage creative assets from concept through development to final product, but also to help realize the enormous potential of the Emerging Networks group. And, as a bonus, I get to continue working with the two great teams at USA and Sci Fi, as well as all my friends and colleagues at NBCU.”
“Bonnie is one of the most talented executives in the industry, with an amazing track record of success,” said Jeff Gaspin, president and chief operating officer of the Universal Television Group, to whom Ms. Hammer will continue to report. “I am excited that she’ll be able to put her exceptional branding, programming and leadership skills toward an expanded portfolio of cable assets.”