Disney-ABC Television Group’s Daytime Division has buttressed its programming and marketing units with a pair of key personnel moves.
Brian Frons, president, Daytime, Disney-ABC Television Group, has promoted Ann Lewis Roberts to head Buena Vista Productions and alternative programming and development for SoapNet, and hired Adam Rockmore as senior vice president, marketing, ABC Daytime and the cable channel. Both report to Frons.
In her new role, Roberts who was serving as vice president of deevelopment, Buena Vista Productions where she brought The Fashionista Diaries to SoapNet, will oversee development of new programming for primetime, syndication and cable production, as well as oversight for the existing slate of shows, including Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?, At the Movies with Ebert and Roeper and GSN’s Camouflage. In addition, she will develop and oversee all non-scripted programming for the Disney-owned cable channel.
Previously vice president, marketing and retail for Calphalon, Rockmore’s new gig puts him charge of marketing for both ABC Daytime and SoapNet. Rockmore, whose resume also includes entries at Scripps Network and its Food Network, will cultivate the brand vision and image for the division, managing the creative direction and brand strategy, and directing all on-air promotion, off-channel marketing and advertising.
“The positions were structured to create greater strength and synergy across ABC Daytime, SoapNet and Buena Vista Productions. Ann and Adam will oversee initiatives that will be utilized across the entire television group,” said Frons in a statement. “Ann is a brilliant television executive with a history of creating strong franchise players for syndication, cable and broadcast networks. I’m especially thrilled to have her expertise for a new level of story driven programming at SoapNet. Adam is a strategic marketing executive with the ability to innovate and direct creative ventures. He also has incredible experience building brands and I am glad to have him lead the way as we create what is next for the division.”
