• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, October 3, 2011

A former top E! marketing executive has taken the CMO role at the Game Show Network or GSN. Stephen Croncota, who once served as CMO of fashion line Versace, takes the position at the network with content stretching from poker to re-runs of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"

The network, run by Sony Pictures Entertainment, has also placed a heavy focus on building its brand online, looking to establish its interactive Web site.

Croncota has experience in both marketing and programming, having served as senior vice president of programming at E! sister network Style before taking the same post in marketing at the flagship, now part of NBC Universal.

At GSN, he will report to CEO David Goldhill, who stated that Croncota has "demonstrated an ability to take brands to their next level, and maximize their relevance across multiple platforms."

"The brand holds a proprietary position in the worlds of gaming, competition and fun, across multiple media platforms--and that's a powerful place to be," Croncota added.

Croncota has also worked in branding and on-air promotions at Cartoon Network, which appears to have been a significant switch from his CMO role at Versace reporting to Donatella Versace, the sister of its namesake.