Pierluigi Gazzolo
Univision, one of the leading Hispanic media companies in the United States, announced changes to the executive leadership team that aim to accelerate its leadership position and drive its transformation for the future.
The appointments, which are all effective immediately, include: Pierluigi Gazzolo, appointed to the newly created role of President of Univision Communications Inc. and Chief Transformation Officer; Luis Silberwasser, appointed to the newly created role of President of the Univision Television Networks Group; Donna Speciale, named President of Advertising Sales and Marketing; Friday Abernethy, promoted to Executive Vice President of Content Distribution and Partnerships; Adam Shippee, promoted to the newly created role of Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, Strategy and Transformation; and Amy Tenbrink, promoted to EVP & Associate General Counsel, Revenue/Business Development with expanded responsibilities across the Digital business.
“Today begins a transformation for Univision. One that will see us accelerate our position as the leading US Hispanic media company as we launch new products and services that will drive value for our US Hispanic audience and for our advertising and distribution partners, who want to reach and engage with this critical audience,” said Wade Davis, CEO of Univision.
“Achieving our objectives will require new ways of working together, diversity of perspectives and, in some cases, new talent and skillsets. We began the evolution of our team with the appointment of world class leaders to our board of directors to bring together skillsets and diversity that Univision has never had at the board level. Today we are announcing a new, industry leading executive leadership team that exemplifies the traits of innovation, collaboration, inclusivity and accountability that will be central to our transformation. Each of these leaders understand the need to optimize Univision’s core businesses to meet its audience where they are and evolve its content, platforms and products to reach the market in new ways,” he added.
As President of Univision Communications Inc. and Chief Transformation Officer, Pierluigi Gazzolo will lead Univision’s transformation and growth efforts. Gazzolo will be responsible for overseeing the future streaming business and cross-functional collaboration among different business units at Univision and setting the culture to achieve this next era of growth for the company.
In his position as President of the Univision Television Networks Group, Luis Silberwasser will be responsible for continuing to accelerate Univision’s lead in US Hispanic media across the full portfolio of Univision’s national television networks. Meanwhile, Donna Speciale will be tasked with leading the advancement of Univision’s advertising and marketing solutions business.
In addition to these appointments, Amy Tenbrink and Glenn Dryfoos, EVP and General Counsel Univision Networks, will be elevated to the roles of Co-Interim General Counsel, while a search for a permanent General Counsel is undertaken.
At the same time, Jonathan Schwartz (Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer) has decided to leave the company and will serve in a transitional role as senior advisor. Henry Ahn (President of Distribution) and Steve Mandala (President of Advertising Sales and Marketing) will depart from Univision too.