Olivier Gerolamihas been named managing director, Europe, for NBC Universal Global Networks.

Beginning Nov 1in London, Gerolami will oversee NBC Universal Global Networks' television assetsin Europe, where the company's established channels include 13th Street and SCIFI in France, Das Vierte, 13th Street, SCI FI and GIGA in Germany, StudioUniversal in Italy, 13th Street in Spain, and the SCI FI channel in the UK.

Gerolami willalso work closely with management teams in each country and the corporate groupin New York and London to identify and implement strategic growthopportunities. He will report to NBC Universal Global Networks presidentPatrick Vien.

'He is aremarkably talented executive with extensive experience in European televisionand has built strong relationships within the industry," Vien said of Gerolami.

"The growth ofour European assets is a key priority for NBC Universal, and I look forward toOlivier leading the charge on our development strategy.'

Prior to joiningthe NBC Universal empire, Gerolami served as chief operating officer withFrench free-to-air DTT platform Groupement TNT.

Before that heserved as chief executive officer for Italian pay-TV service TELE+, where hedevised and implemented a complex reorganisation plan.

Gerolami's othersenior appointments included stints at Canal Satellite, Eurosport and France 2.