Telemundo has named Francisco "Cisco" Suarez to serve as executive VP of primetime realities and specials. Suarez previously served as sr. VP of special events for Univision Communications Inc.  Suarez will be based in Miami and report to Luis Silberwasser, president, Telemundo Networks.

In this new role, Suarez will be responsible for overseeing in-house and third party produced primetime reality programming, live events, specials and music tent poles.  In addition, working closely with the Telemundo Network’s programming team, Suarez will lead the development for new entertainment formats either through internal development or sourced externally via third-party format owners.

Silberwasser said of Suarez, “He brings decades of experience creating, directing and producing highly-rated alternative programming and specials in the Spanish-language television industry.  His expertise and robust relationships in the entertainment industry will help us offer new, compelling and unique formats that will strengthen and grow our U.S. Hispanic-focused programming strategy.”

In his prior post at Univision, Suarez was responsible for producing and directing annual live events such as “Premio Lo Nuestro,” “Premios Juventud,” the “Latin Grammy Awards,” and the “Nuestra Belleza Latina” beauty pageant.  He also produced the reality show “La Banda” and special events including “Selena Vive,” a tribute concert to the late singer. During his time at Univision, he held several roles including director of project development, VP and director of operations, and VP and director of special events.

Suarez’s arrival to Telemundo is a homecoming of sorts, as he began his career at age 17 at a local NBC affiliate station, WPTV in West Palm Beach, FL. He later worked at Telemundo as production manager, director, executive producer and senior executive producer for several Telemundo programs and all special events.

Suarez has received several Emmy Awards for the programs he has produced, as well as ACE New York Awards, O.T.T.O., Premio Ondas, A.C.C.A. Awards and the Hard’s Club Award for Producer of the Year. He has also been recognized by the NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences) Suncoast Chapter with a Silver Circle Award for his 25-year career as a producer.