December 12, 2007

Top Chief

Name: Lauren Zalaznick
Title: President, Bravo Media
Age: 43
Years in Industry: 22
Years left in Industry: “Depends on the state of Cryogenics.”

Why Her? No wonder NBCU just increased Zalaznick’s oversight to include the newly acquired Oxygen. She seems to have a Midas touch. When she took Bravo's reins, “Queer Eye” had run its course and ratings were growing as chilly as a Heidi Klum “auf wiedersehen.” Fast forward just three years, and today Bravo is a ratings powerhouse, delivering shows that are current, accessible, and youthful. No stranger to enlivening sagging networks—Zalaznick was a major factor in VH-1’s facelift in the mid-90s—she set “Project Runway” in motion and hasn’t looked back. “Runway” offspring “Top Design” and “Shear Genius” are consistent draws, while sizzling “Top Chef” drew a stunning 3.1 million viewers for its October 2007 finale. This woman clearly holds, ahem… the recipe for success.  CAO

What is your favorite word? “Happy”
What is your least favorite word? “Bitch”
What turns you on? “Memory”
What turns you off? “Clinging to the past.”
What sound do you love? “Ka-ching”
What sound do you hate? “Early morning garbage trucks.”
What profession other than yours would like to attempt? “MLB closer”
What profession would you not like to participate in? “Professional boxing”
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “Glad you’re here. The numbers look good from last night, but the whole ‘Heaven brand’ kind of needs a re-fresh. Can you take a look?”


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