MacLellan upped in NBCU restructure

NBCUniversal has given Kevin MacLellan has taken on an expanded role at is international business as part of a restructure following the exit of Ted Harbert.

Harbert, a former E! boss, said last week he was leaving his role as president of broadcasting at NBCU. He had been in the role since the Comcast-NBCU merger and NBCU boss Steve Burke told staff he will now “look for his next challenge outside of NBCUniversal”.

His exit has sparked a rejig at NBCU, with several execs upped to new roles to cover the varied responsibilities held by Harbert, who leaves in mid-October.

MacLellan runs NBCU’s international business, working across TV, film and digital, and will now, as chairman, global distribution and international, take on domestic distribution and new media sales. He will remain in NBCU’s London offices.

“Kevin will now be responsible for television sales on a global basis, reflecting how the marketplace has evolved,” Burke said in his memo to staff. “Kevin and his team have done a great job, and this expansion of his responsibilities is well-deserved. He is an excellent leader, understands the global television business and brings a strategic mindset and strong deal-making abilities to this new role.”

In other changes prompted by Harbert’s exit, Mark Lazarus takes on an expanded role as chairman, NBC Broadcasting and Sports.

First-run syndication will be run by George Cheeks and Paul Telegdy, and Maggie McLean Suniewick takes charge of a new business dedicated to investing in and building new digital offering, NBCU Digital Enterprise.