NBCU Reorganizes EMEA Channels Business

NBCUniversal International has realigned its EMEA networks’ business into a single operation incorporating pay-TV channels across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, excluding the Sky territories of the U.K., Germany and Italy.

Lee Raftery has been appointed managing director for networks in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (excluding the U.K., Germany, Italy), to be based in London and reporting to Kevin MacLellan, chairman of global distribution and international at NBCUniversal. The appointment is effective from July 1.

Moving on from a structure that featured three regional European groups, this newly combined EMEA networks’ group will comprise 17 channels’ feeds across NBCU’s portfolio of seven brands.

As a result, the realigned NBCUniversal EMEA business under Raftery’s leadership, along with some corporate support groups, are planned to relocate to Sky’s Osterley campus in the U.K. in order to maximize collaboration with the Sky channels’ business.

Leonor Grandsire, managing director for networks for Southern Europe, will leave the company toward the end of 2019.

MacLellan commented, “I am delighted that Lee will be able to deploy his exemplary skills to the leadership of our EMEA business. I am also incredibly grateful for Leonor’s extraordinary contribution to the success of the company over the years. With our newly aligned EMEA networks business, we are strongly positioned in a rapidly evolving pay-TV landscape to optimize our expertise, efficiencies and opportunities for future growth.”

Raftery added, “I believe that combining our EMEA networks will maximize the growth potential of our channels and brands for years ahead. The power of these great platforms, expertly overseen by a talented team across multiple locations, will continue to deliver the best quality, value and entertainment for our audiences.”