Oprah Winfrey’s new cable network has tapped longtime Disney/ABC executive Nicole Nichols to serve as head of communications.

Nicole Nichols

Ms. Nichols, whose title will be senior vice president of communications and strategy for OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, most recently was senior VP of entertainment communications for the Disney/ABC TV Group. Her last day at Disney was Friday; she begins her new Los Angeles-based gig Sept. 15.

At OWN, Ms. Nichols will be the network’s chief spokeswoman, while also developing and implementing internal and external communications strategies for the multiplatform venture. She will be a chief member of the network’s senior executive team, reporting to OWN President Robin Schwartz.

“One of the most respected communications professionals in the industry, Nicole brings a diverse set of skills to OWN, which range from an unparalleled strategic vision to a remarkable talent for implementing a strong corporate image, all of which will be invaluable to our mission,"
said Ms. Schwartz, president of OWN. “Nicole shares our goal to make OWN a multi-platform venture designed to empower, entertain and uplift.”

Ms. Nichols has been based at Disney since 2002. She initially was vice president of ABC Family. In 2005, she was promoted to senior VP and put in charge of strategic communications for the five divisions in the Disney/ABC TV Group, including ABC Entertainment, ABC Daytime, ABC Studios, ABC Family and SoapNet.

Before joining Disney/ABC, Ms. Nichols worked in various positions at Fox Family Channel, the predecessor to ABC Family.