Ted Harbert, who served as President of NBC Broadcasting since 2011, has announced his exit from the company.
NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke confirmed Harbert’s decision in a company memo distributed Sept. 15.
His final day on the job is October 14.
“The businesses Ted oversees are firing on all cylinders and he is ready to look for his next challenge outside of NBCUniversal,” Burke said in the memo, made available by Deadline.com. “Ted has had a great 40-year career in television and has played a significant role at Comcast and NBCUniversal since he joined E! in 2004. Ted’s encyclopedic knowledge of the television business, creative instincts and enthusiasm have had a positive impact on so many of us. He has been an important adviser to me and a great colleague and mentor to many of you. I know Ted’s heart will always remain in the television business, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.”
NBC Broadcasting will forego a new President, with Mark Lazarus widening his duties to take on the role of Chairman, NBC Broadcasting and Sports. Lazarus will continue to lead the NBC Sports Group while adding oversight of the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations, run by Valari Staab; NBC Affiliate Relations, headed by Jean Dietze; NBC Affiliate Marketing, headed by Scot Chastain; NBC Network Operations, led by Tina Silvestri; and Broadcast Standards, headed by Alan Wurtzel.
Lazarus joined NBCUniversal in 2011.
Meanwhile, George Cheeks and Paul Telegdy of NBC Entertainment will assume responsibility for NBC’s first-run syndication business, led by Valerie Schaer and Ed Swindler.
Jeff Bader will be responsible for the Broadcast Research group, run by Alan Wurtzel.
Additionally, Kevin MacLellan will become Chairman of Global Distribution and International, adding oversight of Domestic Television and New Media Distribution, led by Frances Manfredi.
Lastly, Maggie McLean Suniewick takes on the newly created role of President of NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises.
