Kevin MacLellan to Replace Jeff Shell at NBCU

UNIVERSAL CITY/LONDON: Jeff Shell, who has been serving as the chairman of NBCUniversal International, has been named chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, while Kevin MacLellan steps into Shell's former role.

MacLellan takes over responsibility for day-to-day operations and leads international expansion opportunities. He also now joins the executive committee of NBCUniversal. Prior to this promotion, MacLellan was the president of international television.

Shell takes on oversight for the worldwide operations of the motion picture group, including its global theatrical and home-entertainment businesses. Ron Meyer has been promoted to vice chairman of NBCUniversal, signing a contract extension through 2017. As the company's only vice chairman, Meyer will offer guidance on all aspects of the company, while continuing to focus on the motion picture and theme parks groups. Shell and Meyer continue to report to Steve Burke, the CEO of NBCUniversal.

Donna Langley was upped to chairman of Universal Pictures. Langley will continue to oversee all feature film production and will be instrumental in all aspects of Universal Pictures. She will report to Shell.

Adam Fogelson, who has been chairman of Universal Pictures, is leaving the company.

Burke commented, “Over 12 years with Comcast, Kevin MacLellan has proven himself to be a dynamic and talented executive. With his extensive international experience, I am confident Kevin’s strategic leadership will take NBCUniversal International into its next phase of growth.”
 
MacLellan said, “NBCUniversal and Comcast’s unique combination of content and distribution assets present many significant opportunities to grow our International business across multiple markets and media platforms in a dynamically evolving landscape. We are in a great place to take our growth to the next level.”

"First and foremost Jeff is a terrific media executive," added Burke, "I have worked with him for over a decade and have been consistently impressed by his strategic vision, operational focus and energy. In addition, having led NBCUniversal's international operations for the last two and a half years, Jeff is perfectly positioned to lead our film group at a time when global expansion is more important than ever.  

"In Ron, Jeff and Donna, we have three of the most talented business and creative executives in the industry. I have no doubt their collective strengths will help us continue to maintain our momentum and drive value at the studio."

"There is no one in Hollywood like Ron," added Burke. "He is among the most accomplished, experienced and well respected executives in the entertainment business. In the three years we have worked together, I have been impressed not only by his knowledge of the industry but also his tremendous loyalty to Universal. He has been a valuable partner to me and a great leader within our company and I look forward to his expanded role and particularly to his close collaboration with Jeff and Donna." 

"Donna continues to successfully position Universal Pictures for the future and deliver the most compelling films to our audience worldwide," said Burke. "Her taste and instincts are unmatched in the business and she has been a driving force behind Universal's current successes. We look forward to her continued leadership."

Burke and Meyer added, "We'd like to thank Adam for his very significant contribution to our film division over the past 15 years. He has been an important part of our company for a long time and has helped deliver consistent results during a particularly challenging time for the film business."