Univision Overhauls Ad Sales Organization

Former NBC cable exec Mandala named exec VP

By Jon Lafayette -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/5/2012 2:10:53 PM

Univision has reorganized its ad sales organization and hired another former NBCUniversal executive.

Univision has named Steve Mandala executive VP, advertising sales. Mandala spent five years as executive VP, cable entertainment ad sales at NBCUniversal after eight years as senior VP, Telemundo Network sales & marketing and affiliate relations. 

The restructuring, announced by Keith Turner, president of sales & marketing, is part of an effort by Univision to maintain and strengthen relationships with its current client base, while also  attracting new business and expanding its client roster.

"This new structure places an emphasis on new business development while also adding efficiencies that will serve both new and existing clients," Turner, the former NBC sales chief who joined Univision from the NFL Network this summer, said. "The restructuring enables us to take better advantage of the momentum we have."

Turner joined Univision after a second quarter with lower earnings and an upfront that dragged on. Turner had previously worked with Univision CEO Randy Falco at NBC.

Mandala will oversee Univision's Client Development Group along with Sports Sales and Direct Response advertising. 

Turner's other direct reports under the new structure are: Laura Molen (EVP, Network Sales), Roberto Ruiz (SVP, Brand Solutions Team), Mark Dante (EVP, Station Group Sales), Charlie Echeverry (EVP, Interactive Sales) and Lee Davis (EVP, Radio Sales).  Ruiz, a veteran with more than 20 years of marketing experience, will assume leadership of Univision's Brand Solutions Team.

Lisa McCarthy, former executive VP of the Client Development Group, has left to form her own consulting business, while Graciela Eleta, former senior VP of brand solutions, will transition to provide consulting to Univision.