TITLE: Executive Vice President, General Manager, WE
WHY WE'RE WATCHING: Since most cable-network general managers come from the programming side, it will be interesting to see how Martin, an industry veteran on the affiliate end with Discovery Networks U.S. and Rainbow Media, uses her background in leading the women's-targeted service.
SCORE ON 2004: “I'm very excited about directing the strong team at WE: Women's Entertainment as the network's new general manager. Together, we will set goals and build strategies to propel the network's success. In my previous role we combined the affiliate sales teams under Rainbow Media into one cohesive group.”
WHAT'S NEXT: “This year, WE will continue to invest in original programming: documentaries, co-productions, specials and series. We have renewed several of our weekly shows, including Full Frontal Fashion, McLeod's Daughters and Young, Sexy &..., and continue to produce episodes for Bridezillas and Single in the City. The programming on WE represents women who lead a full life, juggling work, family and personal time.”
DRIVE IN 2005: “While WE is a women's network, there needs to be a diversity of topics in our portfolio that includes relationships with the men in our lives.”
EXECUTIVE EVOLUTION: “I am of a generation that has been able to move up the executive ranks and have never felt the 'glass-ceiling' effect personally. Women have held key leadership roles at Rainbow for many years, and that open environment continues to make it an exciting workplace for ambitious women.”
AT HOME, AT PLAY: “I enjoy spending time with my husband, Marty, and our two daughters, Savannah, 9, and Madison, 6. As a family, we enjoy skiing and tennis. I'm an avid reader and belong to a book club; I love to run and just completed a half-marathon. I am also an avid film buff and see tons of movies.”
