Randy Falco, former Chairman and CEO of AOL and President and COO of NBC Universal Television Group, has joined Univision Communications as Executive Vice President and COO. In this new position Falco will oversee all revenue-driving functions for Univision.
Falco’s duties will include overseeing advertising sales, distribution sales and affiliate relations, as well as the operations of Univision’s television and radio station groups, corporate marketing, research and corporate business development. Falco will be based in New York and report to Univision President and CEO Joe Uva.
“We are thrilled to have attracted such a proven, highly skilled and well-respected senior executive as Randy Falco to Univision. Randy brings more than 30 years of experience across traditional and digital media that will help us build on the significant existing and untapped opportunities for revenue growth across our organization. As the industry continues to evolve, Univision has been at the forefront of innovation and has grown its competitive position while continuing to serve and advocate for the important US Hispanic community. I look forward to working with Randy and the rest of our talented senior leadership team as we grow our business for the future,” said a statement from Uva.
“I have long admired Univision – a pioneer in the industry – and recognized the tremendous potential and influence of the burgeoning US Hispanic population. The 2010 Census will clearly shed additional light on the coming of age story for both the Company and Hispanic population. I’m excited to be joining Univision at such a pivotal moment in its history, as it continues to build momentum as a leading multi-platform media company in America regardless of language. I look forward to working alongside Univision’s exceptional team as we work to further realize the substantial growth potential of this dynamic organization,” said Falco.
Falco joins an executive leadership team at Univision that includes Cesar Conde, President of Univision Networks, Kevin Conroy, President of Univision Interactive Media, Andrew Hobson, Senior Executive Vice President and CFO and C. Douglas Kranwinkle, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, all of whom will continue to report directly to Uva.
Here is the bio that Univision provided for Falco’s extensive career:
Previously Falco held the position of chairman and chief executive officer of AOL, Inc., where he was responsible for all business and strategic operations of the $2 billion global web services provider. Prior to AOL, Falco spent more than 30 years in varying roles at NBC Universal, Inc., culminating with his role as president and chief operating officer of NBC Universal Television Group. In that role, Falco was responsible for the group’s operating and commercial functions, including advertising sales, affiliate relations, business development, cable distribution, global television distribution, IT and network and studio operations. In addition, he was also responsible for Telemundo. Prior to that, Falco held numerous positions throughout NBC Universal, including group president of NBC Television Network from 1998-2004 and president of broadcast and network operations from 1993-1998. Falco was also chief operating officer of NBC Universal’s Olympics operations in Salt Lake City in 2002, Sydney in 2000, Atlanta in 1996, and Barcelona in 1992.
RBR-TVBR observation: Certainly a big “catch” for Univision. Hiring a heavy-hitter like Falco shows just how far Spanish media has come in the US – and how much growth lies ahead as the American Hispanic population continues to grow and become more affluent. Falco has some past experience in Spanish media overseeing Telemundo and NBCU, but mainly he knows Madison Avenue and will be taking the Univision radio/TV/online/mobile message to advertisers.
