Neil Braun Leaves Viacom to Become President of NBC

Viacom Inc. executive Neil S. Braun has been named president of the NBC Television Network. He replaces Pierson Mapes, whom the network said has chosen to take early retirement after 12 years in the post.

As chairman of Viacom Entertainment, Braun oversaw production of prime-time network programming, first-run syndicated programming, international distribution and Viacom New Media. He said his biggest challenge at NBC will be helping to position the network for the interactive future.

* Media and entertainment lawyer Kelli L. Sager has joined the Los Angeles office of Davis Wright Tremaine.

* Twentieth Century Fox named Kevin R. Brannerman director of creative affairs for its Fox Family Films division.

* Television and film producer Spectator Films named David Newlon executive vice president to run day-to-day operations.

* John Lappen will head the newly formed Anthos Records, a subsidiary of Priority Records’ special projects division.

* A&M; Records appointed Al Marks national director of field sales and promotion.

* Sherri G. Sneed was named production executive at United Image Entertainment, and Monique Jones was named the unit publicist for the company’s film “Out of Sync.”

* Mark A. Rosenthal was named chief operating officer and executive vice president of Raleigh Enterprises, owner and operator of Raleigh Studios, while Terrence O. Hughes was named general counsel.