Frances Berwick Named President of NBCU's Lifestyle Networks

Frances Berwick has been named President, Lifestyle Networks, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, it was announced today by Bonnie Hammer, Chairman, NBCU Cable Entertainment. In her expanded role, Berwick will add strategic oversight of E! Entertainment and Esquire Network to her current duties at Bravo and Oxygen Media, continuing to report to Hammer. Also, Adam Stotsky has been appointed General Manager of E! Entertainment, responsible for day-to-day operations of the network, in addition to his current role as President, Esquire Network. Stotsky will now report to Berwick. With this re-organization in Cable Entertainment, Hammer has more closely aligned these lifestyle networks with the way they are offered to the marketplace.

"In a crowded, constantly evolving media landscape, it's more important than ever to have a business structure that not only delivers results today, but also sets a course with the right leadership for future success," said Hammer. "Frances is that rare individual whose creative instincts are as finely tuned as her business savvy. Her impressive track record is all about identifying compelling, innovative content. It's part of her DNA, and it will be an invaluable asset in this new role and in maximizing E!'s tremendous brand potential."

As part of her oversight of E! Entertainment, Berwick will be directly responsible for original programming and development that will grow viewership, strengthen the channel's competitive positioning in the marketplace and extend its worldwide reputation as the "go to" multiplatform destination for all things entertainment.

"I've been a huge longtime fan of E! from afar, so I'm really excited to now be part of the team," said Berwick. "I have enormous respect for the brand leadership position they've built in entertainment news and celebrity culture."

In his new role as GM at E! Entertainment, Stotsky will be responsible for daily operations, including oversight of news, digital, marketing, communications, research and acquisitions. He will continue his duties as President, Esquire Network, with direct oversight of all areas of the network.

"As a colleague of Adam's for years, I've been impressed by his leadership skills and his ability to envision and define brands, from Syfy to NBC to Esquire," said Berwick. "The distinctive brand and impressive slate that he and his team at Esquire Network have built in a short period of time is remarkable. I look forward to working even closer together as we take E! to new heights."

Berwick was appointed President of Bravo and Oxygen Media in 2013 spearheading strategy and operations for both brands. She was named President of Bravo in 2010 where, under her leadership, it has become a top ten cable network with over 550 hours of year round original programming. Since joining the channel in 1996, she has overseen breakout original programming, including the popular "Real Housewives" franchise, "Watch What Happens Live!" and Emmy winners "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and "Top Chef." Most recently, Berwick has led the network's foray into scripted programming, with its first original scripted series "Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce" slated to premiere this December, to be followed by the half-hour scripted comedy "Odd Mom Out" in 2015.

In 2013 her role was expanded to include Oxygen Media where she is currently overseeing the network's rebrand, targeting young, multicultural women and scheduled to launch across all platforms on October 7. Oxygen's recent original hits developed under Berwick, "Preachers of L.A." and "Sisterhood of Hip Hop," will soon be joined by new original series "Fix My Choir," "Nail'd It," "Funny Girls," and "Street Art Throwdown."

A thirteen-year veteran of NBCUniversal, Stotsky was named President of Esquire Network in 2013. Under his leadership, the network has garnered consistent quarter-over-quarter growth since its debut a year ago, and premiered 17 critically acclaimed original series and specials. Prior to Esquire Network, Stotsky served as General Manager of G4 and President of Marketing for NBC Entertainment. From 2001 to 2008, Stotsky held senior marketing positions at Syfy, including Executive Vice President, Global Brand Strategy and Market Development.

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