Simon Presswell has been appointed SVP Marketing and Digital Initiatives, Universal Networks International (UNI) in a newly-created role.

The announcement was made by Roma Khanna, President, UNI & Digital Initiatives, to whom Presswell will report.

Presswell will directly oversee the two roles of VP Web Businesses and VP Marketing & Creative Services.

Presswell previously held the position of MD EMEA, Universal Parks & Resorts. He oversaw the launches of new products The Simpson’s Ride and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Prior to his tenure within NBC Universal, Presswell’s roles included, most recently, VP, EMEA for Citrix Online and Board Director of Group4Securicor. He also held senior International marketing positions at lastminute.com, Thomas Cook and American Express.

Roma Khanna commented: “Simon brings a strong suite of marketing and digital experience that will be pivotal in our ongoing delivery of strong channel brands around the world. He will lead an integrated approach to deliver a fully immersive 360 brand experience for viewers of our tastemaker channels, leveraged around our world-class original content.”

Presswell added: “I am excited to join such a dynamic division which is totally focused on building scale and brand across platforms in the international marketplace. This role presents a huge opportunity to build an even more exciting and engaging entertainment proposition for audiences around the globe.”

UNI is the global channels division of NBC Universal and reaches 130 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia. The division’s portfolio is spearheaded by five core channels - Syfy Universal, Diva Universal, Studio Universal, Universal Channel and 13th Street Universal. Universal Networks International also operates Movies 24 and the (non-US) Hallmark Channel. 

The division is currently rolling out its HD channels, already launched in UK, France, Japan and Portugal.