December 10, 2009

CableFAX: 33. Project New Way: Andrea Wong

Andrea Wong
Title: President/CEO, Lifetime Networks
Age: 43
Education: BS, MIT; MBA, Stanford
Social Media Quotient: 5

Why Her? In addition to brokering the high profile deal to bring Project Runway to Lifetime (and enduring the legal wrangling the move brought), Wong expanded Lifetime’s digital world. She oversaw its first acquisitions: Roiworld.com and ParentsClick.com. Indeed, Lifetime set records for monthly uniques (3.8mln — more than double from ’08) and page views (93mln, up 353%). With Lifetime Nets now part of AETN, we’re anxious to see how Wong’s role will change — if at all.

Worth Watching: Wong brought JoAnn Alfano on board as EVP, Entertainment. Alfano’s eye for comedy is paying off with dramedy Drop Dead Diva turning in strong numbers. Is more funny on the way?

Year Ahead:

Ch-ch-ch-changes. Lifetime is losing staff and finding its place in the new AETN structure post-merger.

Favorite Food: White truffles — just the smell of them makes me happy.

When I Need to Recharge I...: Read to clear my mind, watch movies to escape, do needlepoint to relax, and exercise to blow off steam before getting back to work.

Trait I Most Admire in People: Integrity. Bottom line: it’s a key cornerstone of everything in life.

Favorite TV show not on Lifetime: The Tudors

Best Business Advice: Being able to say as often as you can: "yes" and "thank you." These simple words can take you a long, long way. They show that you listen, you care and you have integrity.