Women to Watch

By MCN Staff -- Multichannel News, 1/30/2012 12:01:00 AM

SARAH BARNETT

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: The EVP/GM of Sundance Channel since 2009, Barnett has rebranded the network as a source of original programming. She spearheaded its foray into scripted originals with the award-winning miniseries Carlos and the critically acclaimed Appropriate Adult, and last year she doubled its slate of unscripted shows. Looking forward, the former SVP of marketing aims to solidify the network’s brand, working with such filmmakers as Oscar winner Jane Campion, director and co-writer of the new miniseries Top of the Lake, and Academy Award winner Ray McKinnon, who has created and written the hour-long legal drama Rectify.

HOMETOWN: Charing, Kent, U.K.

FIRST JOB: Newspaper delivery girl

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Mad Men, Game of Thrones, Louie, State of Play, Community

LIKES MOST ABOUT HER JOB: “Smart people who make me laugh.”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE ABOUT HER JOB: “Cutting through the clutter.”

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: “Paul Lee (BBC America), for his genius perspective, and Ed Carroll, for always having the smartest question in the room.”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Be helpless to a good idea.”

MARIA PEREZ-BROWN

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Perez-Brown started her career as a corporate attorney, but devoted evenings to her true passion: writing. Six years later, she decided to pursue her passion full-time. As SVP of programming and development for nuvo TV, Perez-Brown develops and produces original content for the linear network, broadband, VOD and mobile platforms, and was a key player in the network’s rebranding from Sí TV.

HOMETOWN: Hartford, Conn. (via Brooklyn, N.Y.)

FIRST JOB: Film inspector at the Hartford Public Library. “My job was to inspect rented films for broken sprockets, splice them, then glue the filmstrip back together. Little did I know I may have been cutting entire scenes out of classics.”

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Operation Osmin, any one of the Real Housewives franchises

LIKES MOST ABOUT HER JOB: “I get to use my left and right brain.”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE ABOUT HER JOB: “Convincing other people that Latinos actually speak English.”

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: “As a young attorney, I worked for a much-older lawyer that insisted I join him in a weekly twomartini lunch. He [taught] me everything he’d learned in his 40-year career about the ‘art of the deal.’ ”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Dream big. Then begin to enjoy the ride.”

DENISE DENSON

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: The EVP of content distribution and marketing for Viacom Media Networks and BET Networks oversees all multiplatform distribution and negotiations for 28 channels. Viacom has credited her with contributing to its improved financial outlook, despite the f loundering economy, based on her work securing new licensing deals with Comcast, Cox Communications and the National Cable Television Cooperative and launching premium movie service Epix. Denson also serves on the national boards for the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing, Women in Cable Telecommunications and the T. Howard Foundation.

HOMETOWN: Palos Verdes, Calif.

FIRST JOB: Selling Aggie’s Cookies at the Courtyard Mall

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Modern Family, Homeland, SpongeBob SquarePants

LIKES MOST ABOUT JOB: “The value of our content has never been greater. Along with our distribution partners, we have a real opportunity to shape the future of entertainment and the consumer experience.”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Fighting to capture every bit of value for the content our people work so hard to create, while also being a good partner to our distributors. It can be tricky finding balance on a changing landscape.”

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: Former VP, affiliate sales and marketing, MTV Networks Roberta Wilson. “She’s a fantastic person all around.”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “If you don’t a-s-k, you don’t g-e-t.”

NANCY KANTER

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: As SVP, original programming, and GM for Disney Junior Worldwide, Kanter is guiding the transformation of the programming block on Disney Channel in the U.S. into a branded, 24-hour network slated to launch this year. Building on the success of the series Jake and the Never Land Pirates, which is currently the top-rated series among boys aged 2 to 5, she has overseen an ambitious original programming slate for the new network .

HOMETOWN: New York

FIRST JOB: Apprentice film editor for director Arthur Penn’s film Night Moves.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: “Hands down, Homeland. And then whatever happens to be on the Food Network.”

LIKES MOST ABOUT JOB: “The people I work with. Being able to collaborate with such a gifted and talented team of executives, writers, producers, directors is a dream job.”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Collaborating with [the team]. We are all strong personalities, passionate about what we do. Sometimes it’s a challenge to balance perspectives.”

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: Legendary film editor Dede Allen “[for] her dedication, work ethic and extraordinary insights into how to tell a story … [Disney Channels Worldwide president] Gary Marsh [for] his ability to balance creative and business goals.”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Trust your gut.”

KIMBERLY MAKI

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: The corporate VP and chief communications officer at Bright House Networks oversees the No. 6 MSO’s communications strategy across all of its divisions. Building on 20 years of industry experience, her “proven track record of operational success, leadership and strategic expertise has earned her respect across the industry,” noted her boss, EVP of cable operations Kevin Hyman.

HOMETOWN: Negaunee, Mich.

FIRST JOB: The smal l-town high-school hot spot, The Beef-a-Roo.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: “My TV viewing tends to be more channel-specific than program-specific … I often just channelsurf Discovery, Bio, OWN, [Lifetime Real Women] and Nat Geo.”

LIKES MOST ABOUT JOB: “The people. Everyone is heard, everyone is involved and everyone has a voice.”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Sheer volume. … The diversity, broad scope and reach of the core communications function — especially now with social media responsibilities, the world doesn’t often wait for you to catch up.”

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: “I have learned so much from each and every one! Through osmosis of their recalled experiences and my own with each of them, they have helped me become who I am today.”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Get comfortable with discomfort and really get to know fear … Expect it. Embrace it.”

HEATHER MORAN

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: National Geographic Channel gives its SVP of programming and strategic development props for developing the programming strategy for Nat Geo Wild, which in just under two years, has reached more than 96 million homes in 90 countries; reinventing the programming structure at National Geographic Channel, which is now focused on series; and unifying the programming strategy for NGC’s U.S. and global regions. Viewers would give her props for championing Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan, the popular series now approaching its 150th episode.

HOMETOWN: Philadelphia

FIRST JOB: Birthday Captain at Putt-Putt Golf

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Homeland, The Good Wife, Friday Night Lights

LIKES MOST ABOUT JOB: “I get to work in TV!”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Staying ahead of what kind of shows are going to capture people’s imagination.”

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: “Steve Cheskin gave me my first programming job at TLC and taught me how to turn my love of television into strategy.”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can’t Lose.”

MICHELLE RICE

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: As TV One’s EVP of affiliate sales and marketing, Rice is tasked with gaining carriage for a standalone network amid competition from media giants. In just over seven years, she has helped the network amass 56.3 million subscribers, negotiating distribution with DirecTV, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision Systems. Having gained distribution in almost every U.S. market with high African- American household penetration, she more recently has succeeded in getting TV One on systems in smaller markets.

HOMETOWN: Neptune, N.J.

FIRST JOB: Assistant media planner at an ad agency

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Unsung on TV One, Grey’s Anatomy, Boss, Homeland

LIKES MOST ABOUT JOB: “[TV One] was born out of a positive mission that I am really passionate about and inspired by every day: to deliver quality content that respectfully and authentically reflects the full breadth of the black experience.”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “To stay relevant in an increasingly fragmented and competitive content environment.”

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: David Zaslav “was an inspiring leader who instilled a ‘work-hard, play-hard ethic’ in the team [at NBC Cable Networks].”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Luck is merely the intersection where opportunity meets with preparedness. So, always, always be prepared.”

KELLY RYAN

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: As VP, content business development at BlackArrow, Ryan is navigating the tricky waters of advanced advertising. She has successfully rallied to get cable programmers involved in the ongoing Advanced Advertising Media Project (AAMP) and has helped content providers develop strategies to derive revenue from the rise in on-demand and time-shifted viewing.

HOMETOWN: New York

FIRST JOB: Boreas International — doing international trade between the U.S., Poland, Indonesia and Israel.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Blue Planet, Up All Night

LIKES MOST ABOUT JOB: “The corresponding impact [of technology] on business models, consumer behaviors and the intricacies of the relationships among companies in our sector.”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Staying on top of the rapid pace of technological evolution in this industry and helping guide my company’s priorities.”

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: Anthea Disney from News Corp. “was a role model as a female executive and for speaking very little, but extremely intelligently and with great impact.”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Always work in rapidly growing industries. The opportunities for challenge, growth and learning are greatest in those. … From Ted Ryan, my father and former top executive at EDS.”

ANGIE SIMMONS

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: Noted for her success in aligning technology initiatives with business objectives, the EVP of multichannel platforms at QVC oversees the network’s digital platforms. Key recent projects were the development of a new e-commerce platform and the implementation of a new digital asset-management system. On the mobile front, Simmons was instrumental in QVC’s launch of its iPhone app, as well as in apps for Android and Blackberry devices.

HOMETOWN: Marietta, Ga. FIRST JOB: “In a grocery store, bagging groceries.”

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: “QVC of course, but I love watching the news — I am a news junkie — and Dancing With the Stars.”

LIKES MOST ABOUT JOB: “The combination of TV, technology and retail, which means I get to do a lot of shopping and not feel guilty!”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Live TV and e-commerce, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: “I have grown to really admire those that had high expectations but [were] willing to coach along the way. It just makes you stronger.”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “[My mother] taught me it is OK to make mistakes — learn from them and move forward.”

MARTHA SOEHREN

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: The SVP and chief learning officer for Comcast and Comcast University is focused on getting ahead of the curve. Over seven years at Comcast, she has ensured her team is viewed as a partner to the business when new products and services are in the planning stages. By coming to the table early, “we could get in front of training needs,” Soehren explained.

HOMETOWN: Pinehurst, N.C.

FIRST JOB: Working as an assistant to a county surveyor.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: “I don’t have a particular TV show that is a favorite, but I gravitate to comedies and challenging game shows.”

LIKES MOST ABOUT JOB: “[Working] with a terrific team of learning and development professionals who are very passionate about helping Comcasters expand their knowledge and improve their job performance.”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Comcast is an innovative, dynamic and fast-paced company. … It’s a challenge to stay in front of all of the moving parts.”

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: “Robert Swint, during my career at the U.S. Army. ... He taught me the value of positive visibility and providing employees with the resources and opportunities to stretch themselves.”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Do what’s right, and do it well.”

KATHY TIMKO

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: As CEO of Canoe Ventures, Timko is helping to establish standards and create priorities for the cable industry’s efforts to create advanced advertising solutions. She is also bringing together Canoe’s diverse stakeholders, including its MSO owners and its programming-network clients. Under her leadership last year, Canoe’s national interactive-television platform grew to reach more than 25 million households — 56% of all digital cable households and 65 of the top 75 markets.

HOMETOWN: Bedford, Mass.

FIRST JOB: Summer intern at Raytheon, working on the Hawk Missile system.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: SportsCenter (“it’s always on in my house”), Parks and Recreation

LIKES MOST ABOUT JOB: “[Working] with many terrific people across the entire ecosystem who are interested in advancing television from varied perspectives. … [Leading] a developmental process for creating a tapestry of advanced-TV capabilities.”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Developing the market for ITV and VOD DAI while integrating new emerging technologies with Canoe products and operators’ infrastructure.”

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: Jean Zolnowski at Bellcore. “I admire the way Jean led with passion, conviction, fairness and intellect.”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Spend more time listening than talking to fully understand an issue, then lead with clarity and conviction.”

MICHELLE WILSON

WHY WE’RE WATCHING: All eyes are on WWE’s chief marketing officer as she prepares to launch the WWE Network later this year. Wilson joined the company in 2009, driving efforts to increase the sports-entertainment company’s brand awareness, develop new sponsorship partners and expand its pay-per-view business. Since becoming CMO in February 2011, Wilson has garnered the pro-wrestling circuit sponsorship deals with brands such as Slim Jim, 7-Eleven, Mars/Twix, Mattel, THQ, Skittles, Topps and the National Guard.

HOMETOWN: “A small town in Pennsylvania that no one has heard of.”

FIRST JOB: Chemical engineer at Johnson & Johnson.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Monday Night RAW, Friday Night SmackDown, any reality show

LIKES MOST ABOUT JOB: “That every day presents new opportunities and that people are always interested in hearing about my job.”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Preparing for the launch of the WWE Network

MOST MEMORABLE BOSSES: “Vince McMahon inspires me to be a visionary leader and an unconventional thinker. [National Basketball Association commissioner] David Stern taught me the value of PR, the importance of leveraging business relationships and paying attention to detail. [U.S. Tennis Association CEO] Arlen Kantarian taught me how to negotiate a deal.”

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “Manage your own career, because no one will manage it for you.”