NBCU Welcomes A Global Ad Exec As A U.S. Ad Sales Leader Leaves

In February 2013, she exited as Executive VP of Network Sales and Marketing at Univision to take on the role of EVP of Cable Advertising Sales at NBCUniversal. She’d move on to key ad sales leadership roles at Telemundo before becoming President of NBCU Advertising Sales and Partnerships in November 2018.

Now, “after much deep thought and contemplation over the past months,” she’s exiting NBCU. At the same time, a new Managing Director and EVP of Global Advertising and Partnerships has been hired and will be working from London, effective January 16, 2023.

“I have decided it’s time for me to leave NBCUniversal,” Laura Molen shared late Friday via LinkedIn.

Explaining her decision to depart as Ad Sales and Partnerships President at NBCU, Molen, a familiar face across many an Upfront presentation for NBC, Telemundo and its MVPD-distributed networks, and in more recent times for Peacock, said, “This was not an easy decision for me, yet once decided, am extremely confident it’s the right time to shift my focus towards my family, new passions and priorities, and more Board advisory roles.”

Molen also noted that the past decade at NBCU changed her life and gave thanks to Global Advertising & Partnerships Chairman Linda Yaccarino, the NBCU executive leadership team, and each of the colleagues and partners she has worked with.

Molen continued, “Long before I arrived, NBCUniversal was innovating, shaping culture, and transforming the marketplace, and I know the team will continue to do so.”

To help ensure it does, Molen will be staying on as an advisor through the first quarter of 2023.

On LinkedIn, upward of 160 comments praising Molen were made. Among those saluting Molen: Jack Myers, the noted media ecologist and MediaVillage founder. “You’ll bring bright light and passion to your continued journey and all you meet along the path,” he said.

Gilbert Dávila, CEO of DMI Consulting and a key leader within the Association of National Advertisers focused on multicultural and diversity initiatives, added, “You are an amazing person and executive. What an extraordinary friend and partner you have been over the years. You helped make AIMM great and the industry is grateful to you. You will thrive in whatever you do.”

Dave Lawenda, today the Chief Digital Advertising Officer at Paramount Global, commented, “Congratulations on an unbelievable run — this is a major loss for NBCU and all the agencies and clients with whom you’ve partnered. I am so incredibly excited for what’s next for you. Keep crushing life and we cannot wait to celebrate your next chapter! So much love and respect!”

While NBCU did not offer an official statement on Molen’s decision to exit, the late Friday revelation that she will soon depart was met by an announcement made at 9am London time Monday (12/19) that NBCU will have a new Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Global Advertising and Partnerships, effective January 16.

Taking the position is Maggy Chan, who will be based in the U.K. and work closely NBCUniversal’s local and national teams to continue developing One Platform into a global, unified advertising solution. She succeeds KC Sullivan, who became President of CNBC in August 2022.

In her new role, Chan will work with the international advertising and partnerships team across Europe, the Middle East and Africa; the Asia Pacific region; and the U.S. to “diversify and expand NBCU’s advertising partnerships, grow the company’s global reach, and, above all, help advertisers reach one billion viewers across 150 countries. “

Chan’s hire, the company says, “marks another step forward in NBCU’s blueprint for the global future of advertising. It builds upon a growing portfolio of partnerships with Apple News, RTL AdAlliance, Sky Media and more.”

“Partnerships power this business, period. A decade ago, we set out to become the leading partnership platform in advertising. Now, that ambition has become a reality. Our partnership commitment has made NBCU a partnership company—but we’re just getting started,” said Yaccarino. “That’s why I’m so excited for Maggy to leverage her global perspective to help us continue creating a platform, network, and ecosystem that’s fueling growth for every business. I can’t wait for her to become the BBC’s best gift to NBCU since The Office.”