LONDON – NBC Universal’s newly named president of International, Jeff Shell, said Tuesday that he wants to streamline the studio’s global operations to deliver growth, announcing a restructure that sees Kevin MacLellan take over television operations and Roma Khanna, president, Universal Networks international and digital initiatives, leaves the company to pursue new interests.
Khanna’s departure comes weeks after NBC Universal’s former president of international, Pete Smith, also opted for new business opportunities.
Comcast’s deal to take majority control of NBC Universal closed January 28. Shell, the former Comcast executive who will take the title President of NBC Universal International, has reshaped the senior team, saying he wants “a more collaborative structure” to drive accelerated international growth.
Related Stories
MacLellan will become president of international television, reporting to London-based Shell, overseeing sales, networks and production, while Belinda Menendez becomes president of international television distribution and Universal Networks International, relocating from L.A. to London and reporting to MacLellan and Rick Finkelstein.
Leadership of the film division will remain unchanged under David Kosse and Eddie Cunningham.
Rowan Conn will become chief financial officer.
“My primary goal is to form our various divisions into one cohesive International business aligned with a common set of objectives, allowing our talented leaders to contribute to a unified strategic vision of future growth,” said Shell.
Shell paid tribute to Khanna, the highly regarded exec who was responsible for the global rebranding of NBC’s multiple international channels.
“Roma is an outstanding executive who has done a remarkable job of building our network business. While I had hoped she would remain part of our leadership team, I wish her much success in her future career,” said Shell.
During her tenure, Khanna built the international networks businesses from 13 channels to more than 70 and grew revenues from $160 million to almost $500 million.
