Innovators Series: Lauren Zalaznick, President, NBC Universal Women, and Lifestyle Entertainment Networks

The Innovators Series is generously hosted by Accenture. 

Lauren Zalaznick, president of NBC Universal Women and Lifestyle Entertainment Networks, oversees Bravo Media, Oxygen Media, iVillage - the original online destination for women - and "Green is Universal," NBC Universal's ongoing environmental initiative, as well as "Healthy NBCU," NBC Universal's health and wellness program.  She was named president, NBC Universal Women and Lifestyle Entertainment Networks in May 2008, when she added iVillage to her portfolio and announced the launch of Women@NBCU, a sales and marketing initiative designed to create custom solutions for advertisers seeking to connect with a highly targeted female demographic.
 
Zalaznick was named president of Bravo in May 2004 and expanded her oversight in May 2007 when the network announced the formation of Bravo Media, a multimedia global content company targeting every consumer touch point. Under her watch, Bravo has become the No.1 ranked entertainment cable network for upscale, educated and engaged television viewers.  Additionally, Bravo has achieved numerous records and unprecedented "firsts," including four consecutive best years ever in 2006, ‘07, ‘08 and ‘09; the most critical recognition in the history of the channel, including the most Emmy-Award nominations ever in 2009, as well as receiving the prestigious Peabody Award in 2008.   Since NBC Universal acquired Oxygen in 2007, under Zalaznick's oversight the network has shattered every previous ratings record, delivering two consecutive record-breaking years across all platforms and financial metrics in 2008 and 2009. 
 
Previously, Zalaznick held the role of president of the critically acclaimed Universal-owned TRIO arts and pop culture network from May 2002 to December 2005.  She began her career in television at VH1 where she served as senior vice president, original programming and development.  Her early career was focused on film, producing a number of independent feature films including the award-winning Larry Clark film,  "Kids" (Cannes 1995); Todd Haynes' "Safe" (Cannes 1995) starring Julianne Moore; and the award-winning Jim McKay film "Girls Town" (1996 Sundance Film Festival Filmmakers Trophy and Special Jury Prize).
 
Zalaznick is co-chair of Peacock Equity, a joint investment fund of GE Capital's Media, Communications & Entertainment business and NBC Universal. In addition, she chairs the Women@NBCU advisory board, comprised of senior executive women across numerous industries, including the advertising, finance, fashion, digital, sports, media and entertainment businesses.  Zalaznick also sits on the Brown University Women's Leadership Council, as well as the Brown University Creative Arts Council. In 2009, Time magazine named Zalaznick one of the "The Time 100 World's Most Influential people," Vanity Fair named her to their "New Establishment" list and Fortune included her in their "50 Most Powerful Women" issue.