The National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) in Los Angeles has named four industry executives to three-year terms on its board of directors. 

The new appointees represent such disciplines as streaming, global distribution, data and analytics, international production and talent management. They are: 

• Sarah Aubrey, head of original content for HBO Max, responsible for overseeing the streamer’s slate of drama, comedy, unscripted, documentary and animation programming. 

• Sean Cohan, chief growth officer and president, international at Nielsen, responsible for global strategy, corporate development, growth partnerships and all international business, including measurement, outcomes, sports, and Gracenote Content Services across more than 80 countries.

• Dan Cohen, president of ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group, who leads the company’s worldwide content licensing and distribution operations. 

• Laura Kennedy, CEO of Avalon, the talent management, production and distribution group based in London, Los Angeles and New York.  

“The addition of these four executives to our strong, diverse and experienced board embraces our objective through the next three years to continue to reflect the industry’s content and distribution while actively increasing the diversity of our membership,” NATPE chairman Andy Kaplan said in a statement. 

The NATPE board has 41 members representing all areas of the content industry. 

Laura Kennedy has been promoted to COO of the Lionsgate Television Group.

In her new post, Kennedy will head up operations, strategy and planning for one of the largest independent TV businesses in the industry. Lionsgate has nearly 90 shows on 40 different networks, including Orange Is the New Black (Netflix), Nashville (CMT) and Greenleaf (OWN).

Kennedy will also continue to direct M&A activity related to television operations. In her previous position as executive vice president of television operations and corporate development, she was one of the deal makers involved in Lionsgate’s $4.4 billion acquisition of premium network Starz.

“Laura has been instrumental in helping us rapidly grow and diversify our television business,” said Kevin Beggs, chairman of the Lionsgate Television Group. “She has a great understanding of where the industry is headed, coupled with the ability to plan the acquisitions and internal growth that will enable us to execute our strategic vision.”

Kennedy will report to Beggs.

Read more at broadcastingcable.com.