Geisser joins Hallmark as VP, corporate communications

Jennifer Geisser, a senior communications executive in cable television, has been named vice president, corporate communications for Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel, rejoining her former Court TV boss, Henry Schleiff, who was named president & CEO in October.  Geisser will be based in the New York City office reporting to David Kenin, executive vice president, programming.

“Jennifer is a welcome addition to the Hallmark team,” said Kenin.  “Her fresh perspective and extensive experience in the cable industry will help to further grow the Hallmark Channel brand.  And obviously, she already has a great working relationship with Henry.”

Geisser will develop and execute strategic public relations campaigns targeting both trade and consumer media. She will coordinate with executives across the company, including ad sales, marketing, distribution and programming to help further grow the brand. Geisser will work closely with her West Coast counterparts on the networks’ communications plans, talent relations and corporate events.

At Court TV, Geisser oversaw publicity efforts for trade, business and consumer press and played a key role in extending and communicating the brand. She oversaw talent relations, special events and publicity efforts for original and acquired programming as well as daytime trial coverage. She was also instrumental in raising awareness of the network’s important public affairs initiatives.

Geisser left Court TV after Time Warner purchased the network in full from Liberty Media and Turner took over management. She then started her own consultancy firm, Geisser Media LLC, working with various clients including LIME, a multimedia lifestyle brand with multiple platforms targeting the growing community focused on leading a healthier, greener, and more balanced lifestyle.

Prior to Court TV, Geisser was vice president of public relations for WE: Women’s Entertainment. In that capacity, she was responsible for corporate communications as well as executing strategic public relations campaigns for programming, marketing, promotions, ad sales and affiliate activities. She also played an instrumental role in the relaunching, rebranding and renaming of Romance Classics to WE and continued to play a key role in extending and communicating the brand.

Geisser joined Rainbow Media in 1996 as director of public relations for AMC. She helped launch the network’s first film preservation initiative, which has continued to be a high-profile annual fundraising event. She was also intricately involved in the planning and launching of the spin-off channel, Romance Classics.

Prior to joining Rainbow Media, Geisser worked in the media relations department at CBS Television and earlier, worked for two New York public relations agencies.