Executive Vice President of Programming and Strategy, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises

Panel
From Local Stories to Global Stages: The Rise of Entertainment in Latin America

    Sandra Smester is the Executive Vice President of Programming and Strategy for NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. In this role, Smester is responsible for primetime and daytime programming, specials, content acquisitions, long and short-term program planning and scheduling, and the company’s cable network Universo. She works closely with future development and current production teams to ensure the network’s continued delivery of high-quality, engaging content. Leveraging more than 30 years of experience in programming Spanish-language content for U.S. Hispanic audiences, Smester has spearheaded the development of network successes such as the renowned “Miss Universe” live special and the reality competition format, “Los 50.”

    A long-time veteran of Spanish-language media, Smester previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Content and Distribution Officer at TV Azteca, where she oversaw the programming strategy, content and distribution across the network’s linear and streaming offerings, driving the growth of the company’s share in Mexico, Latin America, Europe and the U.S. Hispanic market. Previously, Smester was the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Azteca UNO, where she led the broadcast network through its brand transition and the unprecedented performance of TV Azteca during the 2018 FIFA World CupTM. Before that, Smester held a series of leadership positions at Univision Communications, advancing to the role of Executive Vice President of Programming and Operations.

    Smester is a member of the National Television Academy and the International Academy of Television Arts & Science. She has been recognized with an array of industry accolades, including multiple EMMY® awards, TELLY Awards and has been recognized as one of People en Español's 25 Most Powerful Women.

    She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Florida International University in Miami, Florida.