• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, March 22, 2011

In the latest sign that it plans to launch several new networks, Univision has named an executive to head sales for the new outlets. Peter Lazarus -- who has led sales at flagship Univision, TeleFutura and Galavisión networks -- becomes executive vice president, sales strategy, new networks.

Lazarus will be replaced by Univision veteran Maelia Macin, who becomes executive vice president of network sales, overseeing the three networks.

Univision has indicated it could launch an all-novela channel and maybe a Spanish-language sports network that could compete with ESPN Deportes. The company has said it plans to invest $20 million to $30 million for network expansion and upgrading broader sales and research functions.

Univision has not offered specifics about its plans, including what kind of distribution it might pursue with new outlets, although Spanish-language pay tiers seem likely. In addition to the new launches, Lazarus will lead sales for the TuTV networks and Televisa channels in the U.S.

Macin and Lazarus will report to David Lawenda, president of advertising sales and marketing.

Macin joined Univision in 1992; she has been in a senior vice president role for operations that includes Univision's stations in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson and San Francisco.

Lazarus, who at one time led Olympic sales at NBC, came to Univision in 2008.