41. Beth Roberts
By | November 1, 2013
EVP, Business Operations
NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment
Roberts loves strategic problem-solving, so her recent promotion to a role overseeing all business ops for the new NBCU Cable Group suits her just fine. She’s pivotal in leading the business affairs teams across the cable portfolio, where she’ll continue to expand the development pipeline and establish projects at 2 nets just beginning their forays into scripted content—E! and Bravo. Roberts will also continue to play an integral role carving out SVOD deals for key existing shows. It’s a full plate she loves. Still, she’s all in for swapping places with Kate Middleton for a month. “I’ve never been a mother… or a princess for that matter,” she quips.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Every day there are new questions and issues to think about that require some strategic problem solving on my part—the TV business is constantly facing new challenges and it’s an exciting place to be right now.
What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?
The biggest story is “Breaking Bad” and how SVOD catch-up-binging grew their audience in ways traditional marketing never could have achieved. It speaks to the importance of making shows available on new platforms, to enable the viewer to access shows when/where/how they want it and help keep shows alive.
How do you define success in the workplace?
Having a reputation for being a smart, strong company advocate and team player with no personal agenda.
Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?
Work for a great boss who believes you need balance and encourages you to make it a priority.
Who would you want to swap jobs with for a month and why?
Kate Middleton… I’ve never been a mother… or a princess for that matter.