Univision Taps Conroy To Lead New Media Unit

Former AOL Exec Is Hired As President Of Univision Interactive Media

-- Multichannel News, 1/7/2009 2:49:00 PM

Univision Communications Inc. has named former AOL executive Kevin Conroy to head its renamed new media unit.

Conroy, the former AOL executive vice president, has been retained as president of Univision Interactive Media, formerly known as Univision Online. Conroy -- set to begin his new job on Jan. 12 -- will be based in New York and report to Univision CEO Joe Uva.

In addition to encompassing Univision.com, the most-visited Spanish-language Web site among U.S. Hispanics, Univision Interactive Media encompassed Univision Móvil, a suite of mobile offerings, including in-show wireless integrations, mobile video, SMS and premium SMS programs, mobile portals, mobile advertising and an extensive downloadable content catalog.

Conroy brings more than 17 years of experience in a number of senior roles in online media to Univision, including time in programming, marketing, distribution and operations. Conroy spent eight years at AOL, most recently as executive vice president of global products and marketing, where he oversaw development and execution of the company’s marketing strategies, new distribution models and partnerships, and AOL’s desktop, mobile and IPTV products for the U.S. and 30 countries around the globe. 

Prior to that, Conroy held several other senior positions at AOL, including executive vice president and COO of AOL for Broadband and senior vice president and general manager of AOL Entertainment.

Conroy succeeds Javier Saralegui, who led Univision Online until April 2008. In the interim, the Spanish-language leader’s new media operations have been led by Cesar Conde, who continues as Univision Communications executive vice president and chief strategy officer.

“We are thrilled to have attracted an executive of Kevin’s caliber to lead our newly renamed Univision Interactive Media division. The name change reflects our broadened digital-media activities and the success we have gained in our three-screen strategy – reaching Hispanic Americans not only via television, but also via online and mobile platforms,” said Uva in a statement. “This initial success will only be bolstered by the leadership of one of the most accomplished executives in the consumer Internet and digital media space. Kevin’s impressive track record of spearheading many evolutional businesses at AOL and deep industry contacts make him the ideal executive to oversee Univision Interactive Media’s growth and development.”