Telemundo Ups Mario Ruiz To Music, Ent. SVP

Telemundo Network today named Mario Ruiz SVP of music and entertainment projects, effective immediately.

In this new position, Ruiz will leverage the network’s existing music properties and talent, and develop new music content and business opportunities for the company, across all its platforms.Ruiz will continue to report to Luis Silberwasser, president of the Telemundo Network, and will be based in Miami.

In his new role, Ruiz will be leading the group responsible for identifying new music-based programming ideas for the network, discovering new musical talent, as well as forming partnerships with the music industry, all with the goal of generating revenue and profit opportunities for Telemundo Network, NBC Universo, Telemundo International and the Digital platforms.

In order to capitalize on the strategic value that music content has for Telemundo, Ruiz will work closely with the network’s programming team and Telemundo Studios to create and exploit musical assets which are an integral part of Telemundo’s scripted series and bio-musical dramas.   In addition, Ruiz will be charged with developing strategies for new lines of businesses and/or partnerships to leverage the network’s intellectual properties across other ancillary businesses.

Previously, Ruiz was SVP, talent development and strategy, where he developed and executed Telemundo’s overall on-air talent business strategy, as well as led the on-air talent positioning strategy in partnership with key stakeholders within Telemundo Studios, alternative programming, sports, news, Telemundo Stations, Telemundo International, Marketing, Sales, Digital, Business Affairs and NBC Universo.

Ruiz joined Telemundo from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (LARAS), where he was a consultant and executive producer since 2011.

Prior to LARAS, Ruiz worked at Univision Networks as VP of talent, where he centralized main functions for major on-camera talent amongst the three networks, Univision, TeleFutura and Galavision. During his tenure at Univision, he also was recognized for bringing the Latin Grammy Awards to the network.

Before Univision Networks, Ruiz held several international executive posts at EMI Music Group, including president and chief executive officer at EMI Mexico; VP, marketing of EMI Music International in London; and director of artist and repertoire and marketing for EMI Music Latin America.