Jeff Wachtel and Chris McCumber Named Co-Presidents USA Network

NEW YORK, March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeff Wachtel and Chris McCumber have been named co-presidents, USA Network, reporting directly to Bonnie Hammer, chairman, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Cable Studios.  Wachtel and McCumber will jointly oversee strategic direction and operations across all platforms for USA, the top-rated cable network for five consecutive years.

"USA will remain a top priority for me, and I can't think of a better team to build on the network's incredible momentum," said Hammer. "Not only have Chris and Jeff performed consistently at the top of their games, their collaborative style is a critical part of USA's DNA and a key component of the network's success."

Leading the charge of unprecedented brand transformation at USA, McCumber was named executive vice president of marketing, digital & brand strategy in December 2007, after holding the title of senior vice president since November 2004.  In addition to oversight of all marketing and branding for the network, McCumber was responsible for the conception, development and execution of "Characters Welcome," the first comprehensive multiplatform brand identity for USA in its 30-year history.  In addition, he led the creative launch and implementation of Characters Unite, the network's ambitious multi-platform pro-social initiative designed to combat prejudice and intolerance in America.  McCumber also serves as executive in charge new business development and all WWE programming across the networks.

As president, original programming, Wachtel has overseen development of all original programming for USA, including award-winning scripted series, original movies and miniseries as well as non-scripted content.  As co-head of creative for Universal Cable Productions, he shares oversight of all aspects of studio operations, including development of original content for television networks across all media platforms. Wachtel joined USA in 2001 as executive vice president of series and long-form programming.  During his tenure, series developed and produced under Wachtel include the critically-acclaimed hit originals BURN NOTICE, ROYAL PAINS, WHITE COLLAR, COVERT AFFAIRS, PSYCH, IN PLAIN SIGHT, LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and FAIRLY LEGAL; the upcoming A LEGAL MIND and NECESSARY ROUGHNESS; and innovative cable successes MONK, THE DEAD ZONE, THE 4400 and THE STARTER WIFE.

For biographical information and photos, please click on the attached.

Jeff Wachtel –

http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/networks/usanetwork/executives?bio=contents/biographies/ExecutiveBios/V_Z/Wachtel_Jeff.xml

Chris McCumber –

http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/networks/usanetwork/executives?bio=contents/biographies/ExecutiveBios/H_N/McCumber_Chris.xml

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes.  A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

SOURCE USA Network