Condé Nast Entertainment Names Producer Helen Estabrook Its Top Programming Exec

Condé Nast Entertainment (CNE) has tapped a new executive, Helen Estabrook, to head up development and production for features and scripted series.

The publisher’s video arm said the hire was indicative of its strategic shift to grow a film and TV business leveraging its portfolio of global brands and IP.

Prior to joining CNE, Estabrook worked at her own production company, A Thousand Ships, which previously operated a first-look deal at HBO. She was involved in the production of several high-profile films and series including Up In The Air, Jeff, Who Lives at Home, Demolition, Young Adult, Tully, The Front Runner, Whiplash, Casual, and Mrs. Fletcher.

Deadline notes that Estabrook will be CNE’s top programming exec, working alongside several other recently-announced hires, including SVP of digital video (English language) Teal Newland

, SVP of digital video (local language) Ezzie Chidi-Ofong, SVP of global physical production Cecile Murias, and SVP of global consumer revenue video Reggie Williams.

“I am thrilled Helen chose CNE as her first in-house producing opportunity,” CNE president Agnes Chu said in a statement. “Her award-winning track record and exceptional producing skills will be instrumental in defining CNE as a key home for talent-driven stories that unlock the power of our IP across the iconic brands of Condé Nast.”

In terms of its video success last year, Condé Nast said it gained over 10 million YouTube subscribers in 2020, marking 25% year-over-year growth. Across the publisher’s 32 global markets, it said, average monthly views were up 41% year-over-year.