Universal Networks International (UNI) has appointed Nicoletta Gelli to the newly-created role of senior vice president, marketing.

Gelli will report to Lee Raftery, executive vice president, marketing and communications, who also made the announcement.

Based in London, Gelli will be responsible for leading the marketing and digital activity for UNI’s portfolio of pay-TV channels around the world including Universal Channel, Syfy, Studio Universal, E! Entertainment Television and Telemundo.

Raftery said: “[Gelli’s] extensive experience in driving the performance of a range of channels’ portfolios – via commercial savvy and innovative marketing – will be a tremendous asset to UNI as we invest in the on-going growth of our channels’ business.”

Gelli said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to join the UNI team as the business continues its razor-sharp focus on strengthening the performance of its channels around the globe.”

Prior to Universal, Gelli led Brand Compass, a brand consultancy business that she started in 2011, whose clients include Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc. and Discovery Networks.

Before this, Gelli spent 13 years with Disney Channels. Most recently she was vice president of brand marketing for the EMEA region.