Signaling what might be a more serious run at original content, US AVOD platform Roku has announced a series of promotions within its senior leadership team.
Former head of alternative originals Brian Tannenbaum has been set up as the new head of Roku Originals, reporting directly to VP and head of content David Eilenberg. The platform has also upped head of creative affairs Lydia Antonini to head of scripted originals; and Olivia LaRoche, who used to lead lifestyle and large-scale format programming, takes on an expanded remit as head of alternative originals. Both Antonini and LaRoche now report to Tannenbaum.
At the Roku Channel, Jennifer Vaux has been upped from senior director of content acquisition to VP of content acquisition and programming. And Vicki Liao replaces her at the director level, having previously served as senior manager of content acquisition.
Initially specializing in aggregation to feed its smart-TV channels, Roku has been dabbling in originals with programs for adult viewers such as Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. This team restructure to focus on original programming comes at the same time that AVOD and FAST usage are on the rise.
Featured image (Clockwise from left): Brian Tannenbaum, Jennifer Vaux, Lydia Antonini, Vicki Liao and Olivia LaRoche.