Paramount Alum Calhoun Joins Versant to Lead Entertainment, Sports Comms

In a significant move, Erin Calhoun, a former top communications executive at Paramount, has joined Versant, the company that houses most of NBCUniversal's cable networks, as the new SVP of Entertainment and Sports Communications. Calhoun, who will be based in Los Angeles, will oversee communications and manage day-to-day press activities for Versant's portfolio of sports and entertainment brands, including USA Network, Oxygen, E!, SyFy, Golf Channel, GolfNow, Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, and Sports Engine.

Prior to this role, Calhoun spent seven years at Paramount Global, most recently as EVP of Communications for Paramount Streaming & Paramount+ with Showtime and Cross-Company Publicity. She has a wealth of experience in the industry, having previously served as EVP of Communications for Showtime and Paramount Television Studios.

Joining Calhoun in Versant's communications team is Steve Arocho, who has been hired as the VP of Corporate Communications. Arocho, a 20-year communications veteran, will lead corporate social responsibility and digital communications for Versant. He most recently worked at Major League Baseball, where he was involved in various areas, including Social Responsibility, Community Affairs, Baseball & Softball Development, Youth Engagement, and Multicultural Outreach.

These strategic hires are part of Versant's efforts to strengthen its communications capabilities under the leadership of Chief Communications Officer Keith Cocozza. The expanded team also includes Lauren Skowronski, SVP of Global Communications for CNBC, Richard Hudock, SVP of Communications for MSNBC, Diana Rocco, VP of Internal Communications for Versant, and Hollie Tracz, VP of Media Relations for Versant.