NBCUniversal International announced today some changes in its leadership structure as a result of its acquisition by Comcast. Comcast gained majority ownership on January 28, 2011.
Foremost among the realignments is the appointment of Jeff Shell to the position of president, effective immediately. Shell will take control of a London-based team with the hope of driving accelerated international growth. Previously, he served as president of Comcast Programming.
Additionally, three new roles have been created to aid with the growth of the International division. Kevin MacLellan has been tapped president, International Television. MacLellan, formerly president of Comcast International Media Group, will be responsible for the overall television business including sales, networks and production. Also to be based out of London, Maclellan will report to Shell.
Another new position goes to Belinda Menendez, who was previously president, International TV Distribution. Now president, International TV Distribution & Universal Networks International, Menendez will join MacLellan in relocating to London, where she will report to MacLellan. In her new role, Menendez will be expected to draw on her experience to build relationships and hone the growth strategy for each market.
Finally, Rowan Conn will step up as the company’s CFO. His previous role was managing the financial operations of Universal Pictures International (UPI), where he also served as CFO. Conn joined UPI in 2004 as vice president of Finance, after positions at Sony and NewsCorp. He will report to Shell and Lynn Calpeter, and join SVPs Alfonso Marone, Andrew Hall and Erik Schmidt as well as VP Denise Bassett on the corporate end.
Other results of the realignment include the departure of Roma Khanna, formerly president, Universal Networks International & Digital Initiatives who will leave the company to pursue other endeavors. Additionally, Peter Smith, former president of NBCU International has stepped down.
For its part, the film division remains unchanged, with David Kosse continuing as president, International, Universal Pictures, and Eddie Cunningham retaining his position as president UPIE.
