Sandra Smester is the Executive Vice President of Programming and Content Development for NBCUniversal Telemundo
Enterprises. In this role, Smester is responsible for primetime and daytime programming, specials, content acquisitions, long and
short-term program planning and scheduling, and the company’s cable network Universo. She also works closely with future
development and current production teams. Leveraging more than27 years of experience in programming Spanish-language content for U.S. Hispanic audiences, Smester has spearheaded network successes including “72 nd Miss Universe” and the new reality competition format, “Los 50.” Smester reports to Ronald Day, President of Entertainment and Chief Content Officer at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises.

A long-time veteran of Spanish-language media, Smester previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Content and Distribution Officer at TV Azteca, where she oversaw the programming strategy, content and distribution across the network’s linear and streaming offerings, driving the growth of the company’s share in Mexico, Latin America, Europe and the U.S. Hispanic market. Previously, Smester was the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Azteca UNO, where she led the broadcast network through its brand transition and the unprecedented performance of TV Azteca during the 2018 FIFA World Cup TM . Before that, Smester held a series of leadership positions at Univision Communications, advancing to the role of Executive Vice President of Programming and Operations.

Smester is a member of the National Television Academy and the International Academy of Television Arts & Science. She has been recognized with an array of industry accolades, including multiple EMMY® awards, TELLY Awards and has been recognized as one of Peopleen Español's 25 Most Powerful Women. She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Communications from Florida International University in Miami, Florida.