Stopello named VP Novela Development at Telemundo.

Telemundo announced the promotion of Roberto Stopello to vice president, Novela Development for Telemundo. In his new position, Stopello will oversee the writing staff in the roll-out of Telemundo’s upcoming 2011-2012 original primetime programming. In addition, he will be responsible for identifying international production trends and recruiting renowned writers and screenwriters to join Telemundo.

“Roberto has been instrumental to the success of our primetime programming and the great success of ‘La Reina del Sur,’ the most watched novela in Telemundo’s history, is a testament to that,” said Joshua Mintz, senior executive vice president, Telemundo Entertainment, to whom Stopello will continue to report. “He is an incredible storyteller and a true example of the talent Telemundo is attracting as we continue to produce compelling and entertaining original programming at our studios.”

Stopello most recently served as director, Writing Department, where he was charged with overseeing the department. He was at the helm of developing the best storylines of the ever-popular telenovela genre. His 2010 adaptation of “La Reina del Sur” was a ratings blockbuster and the most watched novela in the network’s history.

Prior to this post, he served as a writer for multiple Telemundo telenovela original productions. Stopello supervised the storyline of “Ladron de Corazones,” wrote the adaptation of “Amor Descarado,” and worked as head-writer for “La Mujer en el Espejo,” among others. Stopello also spearheaded the team of writers of the successful series “Decisiones,” writing and producing over 500 episodes.

In addition, Juan Marcos Blanco has been promoted to director, Novela Development. In his new role as director, Novela Development, Blanco will oversee the content of the new productions as well as the writers and staff of the department.

Blanco previously worked closely with Stopello in the writing department as literary director. In that position, he oversaw the writing for various novelas, most recently “La Casa de al Lado” and “Flor Salvaje,” and served as a writer on “La Reina del Sur.”