NBCU Intl. Hires VP for Sports Distribution & Business Development

LONDON: NBCUniversal (NBCU) International Television Distribution has named Rhys Beer as its VP of sports distribution and business development, a newly created position.

In his new post, Beer is expected to handle growth opportunities and generate revenue through the sales of the company’s existing sports content. He will develop a strategy to expand upon NBCU’s sports rights portfolio and syndication business, as well as pinpoint strategic partnerships outside of North America. He will work out of London under Don McGregor, the executive VP of international television distribution.

Beer previously served as the commercial director of Perform Group, a sports media agency, where he managed the rights acquisition and distribution of a wide variety of content and services. Before that he worked for the English Football Association, Setanta Sports Group and Virgin Media.

Belinda Menendez, the president of NBCUniversal International Television Distribution and Universal Networks International, said: "Rhys is a renowned sports media specialist with a unique professional background. With his expertise, we are confident that he will succeed in increasing the scale and visibility of NBCUniversal’s sports programming with our global partners, in addition to developing opportunities to grow international revenues."

Rob Simmelkjaer, the senior VP of NBC Sports Ventures, added: "We are thrilled to have a professional of Rhys’ stature working with the sports team. His talent and skill, combined with our vast array of assets and diverse portfolio of properties, will enable us to significantly grow our international footprint."