New IP Role at NBCU

NEW YORK: Cory Shields takes on the role of executive VP of global policy strategies and alliances for NBC Universal, strengthening intellectual property protection for the company’s content around the world.

Shields will report jointly to Jeff Zucker, NBCU’s president and CEO, and to Rick Cotton, the executive VP and general counsel. In this newly created role, Shields will work to build strong alliances with other IP-intensive industries, labor unions and other organizations focused on protecting jobs and growing the U.S. economy. He will work closely with NBC Universal’s global legal and government relations team in driving the company’s anti-piracy agenda both domestically and in key centers of government and industry in Western Europe.

Since June 2006, Shields has served as executive VP of communications for NBC Universal, responsible for the overall media and communications strategy and execution. He came to NBCU from Sony BMG Music Entertainment, where he served as senior VP of corporate communications.

Zucker commented: "The lifeblood of a media company is its intellectual property, which is why I’ve asked Cory to take on this crucial challenge. It makes great sense to have a high-level communications professional wholly dedicated to our global IP agenda. Cory has the right mix of skills and experience to be a very effective strategist on this highly complex issue."

Cotton added: "It has become clear that we need a senior executive who can serve as our dedicated communications strategist on IP issues, playing a role in formulating policy and in advancing our position with opinion-makers, the general public, unions and other allies around the world. Cory’s expertise in strategic communications and media relations will enable us to be even more effective in helping to shape government policies, industry actions, and public opinion as it relates to the enormously important and challenging mandate of bolstering IP protection, driving technological developments, and educating politicians and the public on the economic costs of digital theft and counterfeiting."