NBC PR exec Deborah Thomas has been upped to vice president of media relations for the net’s entertainment publicity department.
Peacock has also promoted Jamie French and named Grace Niu to senior press manager in the department.
Thomas was most recently director of NBC media relations, a post she had held since February. She joined NBC in 1999 as senior press manager, working on shows including “The West Wing” and “Will & Grace.”
In her new gig, she’ll handle publicity for primetime specials and daytime programs.
Thomas continues to report to Rebecca Marks, senior VP, NBC Entertainment Publicity.
“Since arriving at NBC in 1999, Deborah has proven herself to be a versatile and valuable team player who has managed the publicity campaigns for some of our most successful series,” Marks said. “In her new position, we are confident that she will be able to apply her skills in many more arenas.”
Thomas joined NBC from CBS, where she was senior publicist, working on shows including “Touched by an Angel.” Her resume also includes stints at Paramount Network Television and Bender, Goldman & Helper Public Relations.
Niu, meanwhile, joins the Peacock from Fine Line Features, where she was senior manager of publicity and promotions, working on projects including “Before Night Falls” and “Storytelling.”
At NBC, she’ll handle shows including “American Dreams” and the upcoming “Come to Papa.” She reports to Kathy Kelly-Brown, VP of primetime series and longform publicity.
“Grace impressed us with her wealth of experience in the worlds of film and TV,” Marks said. “She is a self-starter with a proven track record, and her multiple skills will be a worthy and welcome addition to our outstanding publicity team.”
Niu’s experience also includes serving as manager of national publicity at Destination Films and as senior publicist at the Villines Co.
As for French, he’s been named senior press manager after working on shows including “Will & Grace” and Bravo’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.”
French had previously served as press manager since 2002. He also reports to Kelly-Brown.
“Jamie enjoys his work and has proven himself with some very high-profile series,” Marks said. “We are thrilled to give him this well-deserved boost and look forward to more of his creative efforts to promote his shows.”
French joined the network in 1997 as a page in guest relations.
