TelevisaUnivision to lay off ‘hundreds’ of roles as new CEO rejigs leadership | News
TelevisaUnivision is planning to implement staff reductions that could number in the hundreds across the company, which is also rejigging leadership within its content and advertising teams.
CEO Daniel Alegre announced the news in an internal memo on Monday. Alegre joined the Spanish-language media giant in September following the unexpected departure of Wade Davis. A month later, the exit of Pierluigi Gazzolo, CEO of TelevisaUnivision streaming platform ViX, was announced.
“I am writing to inform you that this week we are implementing significant and necessary changes within the company, all aimed at strengthening our positioning for 2025 and beyond,” Alegre wrote.
According to the CEO, this will involve “workforce changes across the company this week.”
Although Alegre did not specify the number of layoffs or the areas affected, reports suggest the cuts could affect “hundreds” of positions.
“While these decisions are never easy, we are committed to supporting everyone during their transition. I understand this will be a challenging week, but I ask for your focus and resilience as we take these important steps toward a stronger and more connected future. Together, we are building a company positioned for sustained growth, innovation, and leadership,” he added.
Alegre said Jesús Lara, the company’s local leader in the US, has decided to step down. As a result, US ad sales will now fall under the leadership of Donna Speciale, covering local and national sales across linear, digital, streaming, audio and multiplatform video.
Additionally, Ignacio Meyer will now oversee audio and local programming in the US, in addition to his current role leading US linear programming.
On the content side, Alegre has created a new structure to be led by José Luis Fabila, who will head all content efforts and establish “a new Global Content Organisation.”
“José Luis will ensure that our content investments align with the company’s reach, engagement and monetisation goals and are efficiently distributed across all platforms globally with the appropriate windowing strategy,” Alegre said.
Meyer will lead TelevisaUnivision’s US core business as well as its music and audio content teams, reporting to Fabila. Additionally, the current programming and marketing teams for US networks will be integrated into roles within the organisation.
Rafael Urbina, meanwhile, will oversee digital and streaming operations, performance marketing and CRM, focusing on driving adoption, increasing consumption and optimising the global user experience.
Fabila’s content and brand marketing organisation will provide ViX with acquisition, content development and production services, as well as planning and creative services to support ViX marketing efforts.
Finally, Olek Loewenstein will continue leading the sports business unit, collaborating with Fabila’s Global Content Organisation.
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