NBCU Lines Up Post-Merger Management Structure

NEW YORK: Upon the completion of Comcast’s takeover of NBC Universal, a number of the company’s executives will shift to expanded roles, with new talent also tapped to come on board.

Robert Greenblatt, the former head of programming at Showtime Networks, will become the chairman of NBC Entertainment, responsible for all of the network’s entertainment programs and its production studio.

Bonnie Hammer was named chairman of the cable operations and Lauren Zalaznick was appointed chairman of the Universal movie studio and Internet businesses. NBC sports executive Dick Ebersol will become chairman of the NBC Sports Group and include oversight of Comcast regional sports businesses.

Ted Harbert, a Comcast executive who runs the West Coast cable channels, becomes chairman of NBC Broadcasting. Jeff Shell, a Comcast entertainment executive in Philadelphia, will move to London as chairman of NBC Universal International, a newly created post.

Jeff Zucker, the current head of NBCU, has said he would step down after the deal closes.

The new lineup was announced in a memo on Thursday from NBCU’s soon-to-be chief executive, Steve Burke.