Pop has appointed David Mandell to chief operating officer, the network announced Thursday.
In the newly created executive position at the network owned by CBS and Lionsgate, Mandell adds content distribution, business development and operations in addition to still serving as Pop’s general counsel. He reports to Brad Schwartz, president of Pop.
Mandell’s began working at Pop in December 2013 as executive vice president and general counsel. In addition to overseeing the network’s legal and business affairs, ranging from corporate development to programming agreements to intellectual property rights, he was instrumental in expanding Pop’s distribution, which adds AT&T U-Verse in 2016.
Previously, Mandell served as executive vice president and general counsel/corporate secretary for Mandalay Digital Group, where he managed corporate development and strategic planning, business and legal affairs, and corporate governance and regulatory matters. He also held executive roles at Gemstar-TV Guide and Playboy Entertainent Group.
“David’s innumerable contributions both as a legal and business advisor, as well as a team leader, have helped drive Pop’s growth and momentum during our launch year,” Schwartz said in a statement. “With our expanding programming slate and new market opportunities ahead, David will play an increasingly important role in managing and growing our rapidly evolving business.”