Mark Stern out as NBCU rejigs Syfy

NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment has made its latest round of executive changes, handing a USA Networks boss control of Syfy and saying goodbye to Mark Stern as a result.

Bill McGoldrick will helm the network as executive VP, original content, effective immediately. The move sees Stern, currently Syfy president, original programming and co-head, original content at Universal Cable Productions, exiting to executive produce an upcoming Syfy series.

McGoldrick is currently USA Network’s EVP, original scripted programming, where he oversaw development of series such as Graceland. He will be replaced by long serving scripted programming exec Jackie de Crinis, who becomes the network’s EVP, original programming.

McGoldrick will report into Syfy president Dave Howe and de Crinis into USA president Chris McCumber, the latter of whom was named as solo president after former co-role holder Jeff Wachtel became president and chief content officer, NBCU Cable Entertainment, in September.

“Bill and Jackie both have uncanny instincts about quality content that resonates with audiences, and are incredibly brand savvy,” said Bonnie Hammer, chairman, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.

“With this move, Bill expands his development responsibilities while he gets to satisfy a not-so-secret passion for the genre. Jackie, who’s done a fantastic job at USA, gets to take on a well-deserved leadership role. It’s a win/win for Syfy, USA and the entire Cable Entertainment Group.”

Stern, who leaves after 11 years at Syfy, counts Face Off, Warehouse 13, Defiance and Battlestar Galactica among his credits.