Bill Nelson Retiring from HBO

NEW YORK: Bill Nelson, the CEO of HBO, is stepping down at the end of the year, with Richard Plepler to succeed him.

Following Nelson’s departure, Plepler, currently HBO’s co-president, takes over the post. Eric Kessler will then serve as president and COO and Michael Lombardo as president of programming. Both will report to Plepler.

“Bill and I have worked together for many, many years and though I’m sad to see him leave, I respect his decision to enjoy retirement. He is a world-class CEO and leaves the company well-positioned for the future,” said Jeff Bewkes, the chairman and CEO of Time Warner. “The company will not miss a step with the new team, which has the combination of talent and experience to drive HBO to new heights of creative excellence, innovation, and financial performance. Richard and Eric are twenty-plus year veterans of the company who, as co-presidents, helped HBO re-establish its pre-eminence over the past five years, and Mike Lombardo has done an exceptional job in developing the best slate in HBO’s history.”

“HBO has been my home for almost 30 years so this decision was an emotional one,” commented Nelson. “With my elevation to CEO more than five years ago, we set an ambitious agenda for HBO, and I’m proud to say that I feel the company has never been in better shape financially or creatively. I feel very comfortable in taking this step now because I know HBO will continue in its tradition of innovation and acclaimed programming and retain its superior position in our industry in the hands of Richard, Eric, Mike and the entire team.”