LOS ANGELES—Veteran television communications executive Richard Licata has been named to a newly created post as executive vice president, communications, for NBC Entertainment, reporting to Robert Greenblatt, NBC Entertainment chairman. He will be responsible for the strategic creative development and execution of all programming and media relations initiatives designed to enhance the profile and growth of the network and Universal Media Studios.

In addition to overseeing program publicity, talent relations, photography, events, and awards campaigns, Licata will serve as NBC Entertainment’s chief press officer, responsible for press outreach and relations pertaining to industry issues and public affairs. He will work closely with veteran executive Rebecca Marks, EVP press and publicity.

Licata comes to NBC from Showtime Networks where since 2004, he has orchestrated an image transformation for Showtime. Earlier, as EVP, television and digital media at Rogers & Cowan, he expanded the agency’s TV client list.

Licata began his association with Greenblatt while serving as senior vice president of publicity and public relations for Fox Broadcasting Company where he developed the network’s publicity campaigns for The X-Files, Party of Five, King of the Hill, The Simpsons, Melrose Place and Beverly Hills, 90210, among dozens of others.