On June 21, Univision Holdings unveiled its plans for what it calls “a comprehensive global streaming service” that includes both free ad-supported and premium subscription-based options.
With a 2022 launch planned for the U.S. Hispanic market and across Latin America, the Miami-based multimedia company has moved forward with the addition of four VPs who will work under President and Chief Transformation Officer Pierluigi Gazzolo in the buildout of Univision’s pan-Latin streaming business.
The two-tier streaming service, which is yet unnamed, will offer “a differentiated product proposition, vast content scope, expansive library and more Spanish-language originals than any other streaming service,” Univision said in June. It will incorporate content found on its PrendeTV platform, which will anchor the ad-supported tier. Content found on Univision’s VIX and Univision NOW services is expected to be “transitioned and unified into one global service and brand.”
At the same time, Univision’s new premium subscription tier (SVOD) will feature more than 6,000 hours of Spanish-language content and more than 30 original productions exclusively on the service within its first year, Univision said in June.
Now, with the blockbuster merger of Mexico City-based Televisa with Miami-headquartered Univision Communications on track for a late 2021 close, Gazzolo will now have the following individuals reporting to him, starting Monday (8/2):
- Augusto Rovegno, VP/Acquisitions and SVOD Programming.
In this capacity, Rovegno will be responsible for sourcing and acquiring tentpole content for both the AVOD and SVOD tiers. He will also be responsible for developing original films, curating and programming for the SVOD tier. Rovegno previously served in various roles at Netflix, leading the original film development as well as the licensing and co-production of Spanish-language films and TV series. Rovegno reports to recently hired EVP and GM of SVOD Streaming Rodrigo Mazon.
- Cameron Carr, EVP/Data and Insights, Streaming
- Mariela Stescobich, SVP/Marketing, User Growth and Retention for AVOD.
Carr joins from NerdWallet, where he served as VP of Data Science & Analytics. He will oversee the Data Analytics functions for all Univision Streaming including AVOD and SVOD and all other digital platforms.
Stescobich will be tasked with driving customer acquisition and retention for PrendeTV including the future global AVOD tier as well as other ad-supported digital tiers. Joining from Hulu and Fox, she will leverage her streaming and media expertise to grow Univision’s ad-supported digital customer base.
Both Carr and Stescobich will report to EVP and GM of AVOD Streaming Rafael Urbina.
- Daniel Sanders, SVP/Engineering of Streaming.
Sanders will oversee the development of streaming technology platforms and services. During his career in digital media he has designed, built and operated multiple high-scale media platforms and led innovative engineering teams, including for Sony’s Crackle, Verizon’s Uplynk, and ViacomCBS’s PlutoTV. He will report to EVP of Product & Engineering and Streaming Michael Cerda.
Gazzolo commented, “I am immensely proud of the strides we have taken thus far in Univision’s streaming evolution, including building an innovative platform, engaging renowned creators and setting the foundation for what will be the largest offering of Spanish-language content globally. I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome these industry professionals who are now part of our streaming dream team, at this pivotal point in Univision’s transformation. Each of them brings a unique perspective that will strengthen our position as a global streaming leader.”
