NBCUniversal Ups Rachel Smith to Executive VP of Unscripted Content, Lifestyle and Documentaries

NBCUniversal has promoted Rachel Smith to executive vice president of unscripted content, lifestyle and documentaries. Smith will helm the production of unscripted lifestyle, true crime, documentary and docuseries content development in addition to NBCU’s current programming across NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen True Crime, SYFY, Universal Kids, USA Network and Peacock.

Smith was serving in this role in an interim capacity before it was made permanent. Smith reports to Frances Berwick, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment.

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“Rachel is an exceptional leader who has created many brand-defining original programs for NBCUniversal,” Berwick said. “Her expertise in storytelling and keen eye for intriguing personalities, arenas and trends, along with her deep relationships, make Rachel an excellent addition to our content leadership team.”

Prior to this role, Smith was executive vice president of unscripted development for all lifestyle, crime and documentary programming for NBC. Her work there has included “Casey Anthony: Where the Truth Lies,” “The Rebellious Life of Rosa Parks,” “Queen’s Court” and “Paris in Love,” among other titles.

Smith has contributed to the development and production of multiple NBC shows including the “Real Housewives” franchise, the “Below Deck” franchise, “Summer House,” “Southern Charm” and “Million Dollar Listing.”

Prior to her time at NBC, Smith was vice president of original programming at BBC America, working on unscripted originals like “Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan” and “Richard Hammond’s Crash Course,” in addition to several specials in relation to the “Planet Earth,” “Top Gear” and “Doctor Who” franchises.

Prior to BBC, Smith was vice president of development and production for scripted programming at the Independent Film Channel and executive producer for Discovery Fit and Health and Green Planet.

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