NCBUniversal is combining Bravo, E!, Oxygen and Esquire under its Lifestyle Group. Frances Berwick, who currently heads Bravo and Oxygen, will lead the group.
Meanwhile, Esquire’s Adam Stotsky has been named general manager of E! in the wake of president Suzanne Kolb’s departure.
“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 NBCU Cable Entertainment chairman, Bonnie Hammer in a statement.
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“Frances is that rare individual whose creative instincts are as finely tuned as her business savvy,” she added. “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.”
In her expanded role, Berwick will replace Kolb and add strategic oversight of E! Entertainment and Esquire Network to her current duties at Bravo and Oxygen Media. She will continue to report to Hammer.
“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.”
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As the general manager of E!, Stotsky will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the network, in addition to his current role as president of Esquire Network. He will now report to Berwick.
On Stotsky, Berwick said, “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. 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 joined Bravo in 1996 and was promoted to channel president in 2010. She has been involved in Bravo hits including the “Real Housewives” franchise, “Watch What Happens Live!” and Emmy winners “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and “Top Chef.” Berwick helped usher scripted programming to Bravo, 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. Two years earlier in 2013, Berwick added president of Oxygen to her duties.
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Stotsky was named president of Esquire Network in 2013 after it was rebranded from Style. He has been with NBCU for 13 years. Previously, Stotsky served as GM of G4 and president of marketing for NBC Entertainment. From 2001 to 2008, Stotsky held senior marketing positions at Syfy.