People

BACK9 NETWORK

Back9 Network, a sports lifestyle media network for golf fans, has named Paul Pendergast as chief development officer. He comes from the University of Connecticut, where he was director, institutional advancement.

COMCAST

Rodrigo Lopez was named regional vice president for Oregon and Southwest Washington at Comcast. He comes from the MSO’s Mountain Region in Salt Lake City, where he was regional VP.

FOX NETWORKS GROUP

Peter Marco was elevated to senior vice president, business and legal affairs, Fox Cable Networks at Fox Networks Group. He had been VP, business and legal affairs.

Also, Lisa Richardson advanced to senior vice president, business and legal affairs for FCN. She had been VP.

MUSIC CHOICE

Tom Soper advanced to senior director of advertising sales at Music Choice. He was director, advertising sales.

NBCUNIVERSAL

Hilary Smith was upped to senior vice president, communications for the NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media division. She most recently oversaw communications for Fandango, DailyCandy, iVillage and Television Without Pity.

NICKELODEON

Nickelodeon Group has tapped Jill Sanford as vice president of animation development. She comes from The Walt Disney Co., where she was director, original series, for Disney Television Animation.

REGAN GROUP

Hawthorne, Calif.-based consumer engagement agency The Regan Group has named Susan Graham vice president, marketing and strategy. She comes from Fox Broadcasting, where she was executive director, integrated marketing and national promotions.

RELATIVITY MEDIA

Elizabeth Porter has joined RelativityREAL, the TV arm of Beverly Hills, Calif.-based studio Relativity Media, as executive vice president, development and series. She comes from Comedy Central, where she was senior VP, specials and talent development.

STARZ

Michael Thornton has been named to the new post of executive vice president, acquisitions, business affairs and legal at Starz LLC, based in Englewood, Colo. He comes from Disney/ABC Domestic Television, where he was EVP, business and legal affairs.

Also, Dave Baldwin has joined Starz as New Yorkbased executive vice president of program planning. He was executive VP, program planning at HBO.

TELEMUNDO

Gregg Liebman was named New York-based senior vice president of advertising sales insights and strategy at Telemundo Media. He was senior VP, advertising sales and sports research at Turner Broadcasting System.

WEATHER

The Weather Channel has named Neil Katz as vice president and editor in chief of its digital properties. He comes from The Huffington Post, where he was executive news editor.

DID YOU KNOW?

Rodrigo Lopez has held 12 different jobs over 20 years at Comcast, starting as a customercare rep in an Orange County, Calif., call center.

DID YOU KNOW?

While at Comedy Central, Elizabeth Porter was widely credited with the expansion of the Comedy Central Roast franchise.