'Net exex log on to Playboy.com

Bovee to o'see prod'n of content; Bacco sr. VP, sales

By MARC GRASER, K.D. SHIRKANI

Continuing to fill out management ranks in advance of its upcoming IPO, Playboy.com has made two new key appointments, tapping Spence Bovee VP of broadband and convergence to oversee production of original online content and naming Michael J. Bacco senior VP of sales and marketing.

Based in Los Angeles, Bovee will oversee programming strategies for Playboy.com and Playboy Enterprises’ online broadband, wireless and interactive television and video ventures.

Idea is to capitalize on and repeat Playboy.com’s previously successful Webcasts such as “Club Lingerie,” which was simulcast on PlayboyTV. A follow-up, “Wet & Wild Live!,” is planned for the summer.

Bovee, a founding director of interactive org VIC, will spearhead original animation and live-action content creation, acquisition and other distribution deals.

Based in New York, Bacco will oversee all sales and marketing for the adult Web site cluster, including the planning and implementation of national advertising campaigns.

Both execs will report to Playboy.com’s recently tapped CEO Kevin Mayer.

Bacco’s “impressive strategic creative and action-oriented operational skills will be a tremendous asset to our company,” said Mayer. “Spence’s scope of experience, combined with his proven track record in entertainment, marketing and the Internet, will help to ensure the successful execution of Playboy.com’s aggressive expansion strategy.”