NBCUniversal has tapped Jen Friedman to lead global communications after the recent role change of former communications chief Hilary Smith.
Friedman will join NBCU as executive vp communications on Jan. 10 from Blackstone, where she served as the managing director for public affairs at the investment management company, according to a message to staff on Tuesday from Adam Miller, NBCU’s exec vp and parent company Comcast’s chief administration officer.
The incoming executive will report to Miller and work closely with NBCU CEO Jeff Shell. She takes on a position previously held by Smith, who left the corporate communications role in October to oversee NBCU’s corporate social responsibility.
Friedman has extensive experience in governmental communications roles. Prior to joining Blackstone and holding an executive position at General Electric, Friedman was the White House deputy press secretary in the Obama administration.
She was also the senior strategic communications adviser for the National Economic Council, oversaw communications for former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and held communications positions at the U.S. Department of Treasury, Department of Commerce and the Department of Homeland Security.
