Univision Names Chief Commercial Officer

Univision Communications today announced that Tonia O’Connor has been promoted to the newly created position of chief commercial officer and president of content distribution. She 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 and the new team will be led by Rick Alessandri.  

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.

O’Connor joined UCI in January 2008 as EVP 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,and  the Univision Creator Network. Her most recent accomplishment is leading the launch of UCI’s direct to consumer subscription video service, Univision NOW.

Prior to joining UCI, O’Connor spent 13 years at Gemstar TV Guide, where she served in various roles including EVP of distribution. 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.