O’Connor promoted to Chief Commercial Officer & president of Content Distribution at Univision

Univision Communications, Inc. (UCI) announced that Tonia O’Connor has been promoted to the newly created position of chief commercial officer and president of Content Distribution. O’Connor will remain based in New York and will continue to report to Randy Falco, president and chief executive officer.

Under O’Connor’s leadership, UCI is putting greater emphasis on diversifying its portfolio of assets by bringing together its Corporate Development and Enterprise groups under one function called Enterprise Development. This division will focus on enhancing UCI’s market position to help incubate and launch new products and businesses. O’Connor will retain her responsibilities leading content distribution, driving the company’s distribution efforts across all screens, including online and mobile, and expanding its content availability and licensing revenue by securing key partnerships and new business models with both traditional and emerging content distributors. Additionally, she will continue to oversee Univision NOW, the company’s new direct to consumer subscription video service.

“Tonia is an innovative leader and influencer in our industry, who has played an essential role in expanding and deepening our relationships with both new and longstanding partners. She and her team have consistently delivered on our strategy to provide a Univision branded experience everywhere our audience is watching,” said Falco. “As chief commercial officer, Tonia will bring her focus, energy, extensive relationships and deep understanding of the consumer to identify new growth opportunities as we consolidate our efforts to provide Hispanic Americans with products and services that inform, empower and entertain.  Tonia has spearheaded the phenomenal growth of our distribution efforts and I am confident she will be equally successful in growing Enterprise Development.”

Commenting on her appointment, O’Connor said, “I’m excited to take on this challenge and build new ways for UCI to further distinguish itself as one of the most competitive and dynamic media companies. Everyday our customers are asking us how they can partner with the influential and rapidly-growing Hispanic community. No company is better positioned than UCI to make these partnerships a success.”

O’Connor joined UCI in January 2008 as executive vice president of Distribution Sales and Marketing. She has played a key role as the Company expanded its portfolio from three networks to 17 broadcast, cable and digital networks and partnerships, as well as developed its digital distribution and content windowing strategy for SVOD and TV Everywhere.

O’ Connor also led the creation of the company’s first over the top English-language digital network, Flama, the Univision Creator Network and has worked with other key leaders across UCI to coordinate joint ventures and investments in new businesses. Her most recent accomplishment is leading the launch of UCI’s direct to consumer subscription video service, Univision NOW.  O’Connor also helped lead the launch of and continues to sponsor UCI’s Women’s Leadership Council, an employee resource group designed to advance women across the Company and prepare the next generation of women leaders. The new Enterprise Development team will be led by Rick Alessandri.  

Prior to joining UCI, O’Connor spent 13 years at Gemstar TV Guide, where she served in various roles including executive vice president of Distribution.  At Gemstar TV Guide, she was responsible for negotiating complex technology and intellectual property agreements, as well as programming deals. She also played an integral role in the growth of Gemstar TV Guide’s networks and defining the strategy of the company. O’Connor began her career in the telecommunications industry, serving in sales and marketing positions. O’Connor graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University with a dual major in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. She serves on the board of El Rey Network, a cable network started by filmmaker, Robert Rodriguez and on the board of FuboTV.  In addition, O’Connor is on the Dean’s Advisory Board at the S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and the executive committee of the board for the T. Howard Foundation.