Logo

UTD Blends Marketing Units

Jul 21, 2003  •  Post A Comment

Universal Television Distribution is merging its domestic and international marketing staffs to form a team under the banner of a worldwide marketing and creative services division. In the move two executives will be promoted; another will have his role expanded. However, the studio confirmed there will be “a few layoffs,” including key marketing executive Kristen Flannery.
Dan Weiss, executive VP of worldwide marketing for UTD, announced the merger of the domestic and international marketing staffs that will be divided into three new and distinct teams: worldwide marketing and creative services (for television), worldwide pay-per-view and video-on-demand marketing and worldwide communications.
The newly formed departments will focus on marketing a large volume of Universal product around the world, including original network and first-run series, off-network shows, special pay-TV events, theatrical films and titles contained in the studio’s massive TV and movie library.
Deb Brunner has been promoted to senior VP, worldwide marketing and creative services, for UTD. Formerly VP of creative services for the distributor, Ms. Brunner will lead all domestic and international marketing efforts, including print and on-air campaigns, creative services, advertising, media strategies, affiliate relations and promotions. In her new role Ms. Brunner will oversee a wide array of marketing and creative services functions, including the planning of UTD’s participation in all major industry trade shows, such as the National Association of Television Program Executives conference, MIP and MIPCOM.
Stacy Melle will be upped to VP, worldwide marketing, pay-per-view and video-on-demand, for UTD. In her newly created position, Ms. Melle is responsible for all marketing strategies and execution.
Jim Benson, formerly senior VP of communications for Universal Domestic Television, has been named senior VP, worldwide communications. In addition to his current responsibilities he will now oversee press and publicity functions for the domestic, international and PPV/VOD markets.
“With this reorganization, I have built on the strengths of an already strong marketing team,” Mr. Weiss said. “It is with great pleasure that I have been able to elevate Jim Benson, Debbie Brunner and Stacy Melle to levels that reflect their stature as three of the best marketing and communications experts in the business.”