Exclusive: NBCU veteran Enrique Guillen exits Universal Studio Group

That’s My Jam

Universal Studio Group (USG)’s international formats chief Enrique Guillen is stepping down from the NBCUniversal (NBCU) division after almost two decades with the company, TBI has learned.

Guillen was most recently EVP of commercial strategy & international development at USG, which is led by JoAnn Alfano and was formed following an overhaul of NBCU’s Universal Television, UCP, Universal Television Alternative Studio and NBCUniversal International Studios (NBCUIS) arms.

Enrique Guillen

He took on the role in 2020 when USG’s chair Pearlena Igbokwe folded NBCU’s International Formats Group into Alfano’s unit.

Guillen, who reported into Alfano, led efforts to expand the reach of NBCU-owned IP such as Top Chef, Hollywood Game Night and The Real Housewives franchise around the world.

Recent deals have seen NBCU’s formats arm strike a co-production deal with Banijay in Asia to adapt shows including Suits in India, while France’s TF1 Group last year ordered a local adaptation of Jimmy Fallon and NBCUniversal Formats music competition series That’s My Jam.

Guillen also worked to expand commercial strategy with NBCU’s international companies, which range from Downton Abbey firm Carnival Films and Australian-based Matchbox Pictures, to Made In Chelsea outfit Monkey Kingdom and Working Title Television, which is behind Channel 4’s We Are Lady Parts.

He also was tasked with forging strategic partnerships to develop new IP around the world. A replacement has not yet been confirmed.

Suits (Japan)

Background & context

Guillen had originally moved to NBCUIS in 2017, reporting into Meredith Ahr, who subsequently left in 2020 following the departure of her former boss, Paul Telegdy.

He departed the US studio giant following an internal investigation by NBCU, after allegations of misconduct emerged. The pair’s exits were followed by that of NBCUIS president Jeff Wachtel, who had headed up production, formats and partnerships around the world.

Before NBCUIS, Guillen had been SVP of alternative programming at US broadcaster NBC, where he worked on The Celebrity Apprentice and Last Comic Standing, reporting into Ahr.

He joined NBC Entertainment in 2009 from Telemundo, where helped to launch the NBCU-owned US Hispanic broadcaster’s studios division.