MIRAMAR, FLA. — Andy Lack is leaving. And, the top executive overseeing NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is taking over his role as part of a wholesale restructuring.
But, it wasn’t just NBCU’s own media organizations that broke the news. According to CNN Senior Media Reporter Oliver Darcy, via Twitter, NBC News, MSNBC, and CNBC will “be organized into a single unit and led by Cesar Conde, who assumes the newly created role of Chairman, NBCUniversal News Group.”
That was confirmed in a press release received by RBR+TVBR just seconds before Monday’s deadline of 4:30pm Eastern.
In it, NBCUniversal outlined a new “organizational structure” designed to closely align NBCUniversal’s TV networks — including Telemundo and MVPD-distributed USA, SYFY, Bravo, Oxygen, E! and Universal Kids; its international networks; and its new free OTT service Peacock under one division.
That division will be led by Mark Lazarus, NBCU Television and Streaming Chairman.
Lazarus will continue to oversee the NBC Sports Group, owned television stations and affiliate relations.
NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell said, “This is the right structure to lead NBCUniversal into the future during this transformational time in the industry. He is the ideal leader to oversee our television and streaming portfolio in this newly formed division.”
But, the bigger news involves Conde, as the news networks will be organized into a single unit, one which he will oversee.
Conde has been with NBCU since 2013, and it is the growth at Telemundo and its “narrowing the gap” against chief rival Univision that likely won him the promotion. “Cesar’s valuable and relevant experience leading broadcast networks and news divisions, combined with his high degree of integrity and proven management skills, make him the right person to lead our news group into the future.”
Officially, Lack, who served as NBC News Group President, “has decided to step down.” He will transition out of the company at the end of the month.
NBC News President Noah Oppenheim, MSNBC President Phil Griffin; and CNBC Chairman Mark Hoffman will now report to Conde.
Who will now oversee Telemundo Enterprises?
That announcement is forthcoming.
Rounding out the NBCUniversal senior management team, the following executives continue to report directly to Shell:
Matt Bond, Chairman, Content Distribution
Bonnie Hammer, Chairman of NBCUniversal Content Studios
Kim Harris, EVP and General Counsel
Kathy Kelly-Brown, SVP, Strategic Initiatives
Anand Kini, EVP and Chief Financial Officer
Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group
Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman
Adam Miller, EVP
Craig Robinson, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer
Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Universal Parks & Resorts
Linda Yaccarino, Chairman of Advertising Sales & Client Partnerships
Under the new structure, the following executives will lead businesses reporting to Lazarus:
Frances Berwick, President, Lifestyle Networks
Ken Bettsteller, President, International Networks
Peter Bevacqua, President, NBC Sports Group
Philip Martzolf, President, NBCUniversal Affiliate Relations
Chris McCumber, President, Entertainment Networks
Valari Staab, President, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations
Matt Strauss, Chairman of Peacock
Paul Telegdy, Chairman, NBC Entertainment
