NBCUniversal International Studios Hires for New Business Affairs Role

LOS ANGELES: Sam Semon, who previously worked at Gaumont Television, has joined NBCUniversal International Studios in the newly created post of executive VP of business affairs.

In his new position, Semon will have oversight of all U.S. business affairs activity for the Los Angeles-based international studios scripted team, Heyday Television US and Working Title Television US. He will be based in L.A. Semon will report to NBCUniversal International Studios’ president, Michael Edelstein, and the executive VP of scripted programming, JoAnn Alfano. Karen Cease, U.S. business affairs executive, and Crystal Morales, senior VP of business affairs, will report to Semon.

Semon joins NBCUniversal International Studios from Gaumont Television, where he was executive VP of business strategy and operations, responsible for the strategic development and business oversight of the organization’s original TV productions. Overseeing series licensing, agency package commissions, original development and production and operations, Semon was involved in deals for titles such as Narcos for Netflix and the award-winning Hannibal for NBC.

Edelstein commented: “JoAnn and I are delighted to have Sam join the business. We know that his wealth of experience and strategic vision will prove invaluable as we continue to build our international business in the U.S.”

Semon added: “I am excited to be joining NBCUniversal International’s dynamic team that has a proven history of producing bespoke global content, and look forward to contributing to its continued success.”