Univision Poaches A SBS Vet For Top Radio Job

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Univision Communications has found its new GM of Digital, Content, and Entertainment for its radio division.


The Hispanic and millennial-focused media company looked no further than one of its biggest rivals.

In an official announcement made Wednesday (1/18), Univision selected former SBS EVP/Digital Media Strategy Jesus Lara. In his new role, Lara will lead Univision Radio and its Uforia brand, while overseeing the development and implementation of strategies that take Univision Communications’ programming, content creation, digital and entertainment efforts within the company’s AM and FM properties “into the future.”

Jesus Lara UNI
Jesus Lara

Lara intends to work closely with GMs across the country, as well as leaders across Univision Local Media, to drive the creative vision and operational leadership of the radio business. He’ll remain in Miami and now reports to Univision Chief Local Media Officer John Eck. He will also work closely with Univision Communications President of Music Jorge “Pepo” Ferradas “to ensure continued alignment with Univision’s broader music strategy while leveraging Univision Communications’ unique offerings in new and creative ways.”

Eck commented, “Jesus is an accomplished and creative industry veteran with an entrepreneurial spirit and a unique blend of experiences in music, marketing and digital. I’m confident that his leadership will help propel our radio business to new heights.”

Lara noted, “I am thrilled and honored with the opportunity to lead this incredible portfolio of brands. I look forward to working closely with John and the senior management team, in positioning the radio group for the future with a renewed and keen focus on leveraging Univision’s strong culture, creating great content and developing powerful code.”

Lara joined SBS in December 2013 and exited in November 2016. From 2009-2014, he was a Fellow at the Americas Business Council Foundation. Professionally, Lara spent many years at Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), and was SVP/Music Programming, Marketing and Talent Strategy for MTV Internaciónal from June 2007-July 2011.

From 1998-2004 he held several positions at EMI Music, lastly as VP/Marketing and A&R out of the Miami Beach office.

Lara takes a role originally intended for Alejandro Nieto Molina, an executive from Grupo PRISA’s Cadena SER, a national network in Spain. His appointment came in late January 2016; on Feb. 8, Nieto died of a heart attack at the age of 48.