Ashley Bowling Kraska Named VP NBCUniversal Television

Ashley Bowling Kraska has been named Vice President, NBCUniversal Television & New Media Distribution, U.S. & Canada, it was announced today by Frances Manfredi, President, NBCUniversal Television & New Media Distribution, U.S. & Canada.

Since September 2010, Kraska has served as a Director for the division and was responsible for selling television and film content to niche and emerging linear and digital networks including U.S. Spanish language, female lifestyle and faith-based networks. Most recently, Kraska completed the off-network licensing deal of NBC's "Smash" to OVATION Network and the introduction of Bravo's hit reality shows "Flipping Out" and "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" to the U.S. Spanish language market. As Vice President, Kraska will continue to focus on monetizing NBCUniversal's television and film library across fully distributed, targeted and emerging networks as well as contributing strategic analysis and sales planning for larger linear and new media distribution deals across SVOD, basic cable, premium pay platforms.

"Ashley has been a key member of the Television and New Media Distribution team," said Manfredi. "Her tremendous work ethic, creativity, and innate sales instincts have defined her as a rising talent completely deserving of this significant recognition."

"I am excited to advance my career in a company that recognizes the importance of content distribution," said Kraska. "From our leadership under Frances Manfredi and the entrepreneurial nature of our division, to our portfolio of iconic TV and film content, opportunities abound."

In 2005, Kraska relocated from Los Angeles to New York in her role as the Director of Marketing, NBCUniversal Television Distribution. In 2007, she was promoted to Senior Director of Marketing, where she oversaw strategic and consumer marketing, brand management and affiliate relations for several first-run shows including "Access Hollywood" and "The Martha Stewart Show" as well as off-net television programs in broadcast syndication. Kraska also provided sales support to the cable sales and advertising sales teams.

Previously, Kraska served as Marketing Manager for NBC Enterprises. NBC Enterprises served as NBC's distribution group before NBC merged with Universal in 2004. As manager, Kraska handled marketing and affiliate relations for several Syndicated shows including "The Weakest Link" and "Fear Factor."

Kraska earned her Masters of Business Administration from Columbia Business School and holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Public Policy from Duke University. Kraska is an alumna of the prestigious NBC West Coast Page Program.

Kraska resides in Connecticut with her husband and two year old daughter and is expecting her second child in May, 2014.

About NBCUniversal Television & New Media Distribution, U.S. & Canada:

NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution, U.S. & Canada is responsible for the sales and distribution of NBCUniversal product to all forms of television within the U.S. and Canada. This includes current television and film product as well as content from NBCUniversal's vast library (Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Television, Universal Cable Productions, NBC Late Night properties, etc.) distributed in basic cable, pay cable and subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) markets. Current off-network cable distribution programming includes "30 Rock," "House," "Law & Order," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Monk," "The Office" and "Saturday Night Live," as well as Universal Pictures film content. The division is also responsible for the sales of NBCUniversal content to non-theatrical markets including airlines worldwide.

NBCUniversal TV Canada, a sub-division of NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution, U.S. & Canada, sells current television and film product as well as content from NBCUniversal's vast library to all forms of Canadian broadcast television as well as various digital platforms. Current programming includes "Chicago Fire," "Parenthood," "Grimm," "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" and the upcoming series "Chicago PD" and "About a Boy."

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