• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, October 31, 2019

Comcast’s NBCUniversal continues to consolidate as it positions for global streaming wars and the launch of its Peacock SVOD next April.

Kevin MacLellan, chairman of global distribution and international operations, is leaving NBCU after nearly two decades, and international and domestic operations are being merged.

NBCU Film and Entertainment Chairman Jeff Shell announced the changes Wednesday in an internal memo published by entertainment news trades.

“I am disappointed to share the news that Kevin MacLellan has made the difficult decision to leave the company and is ready to move on to his next challenge,” wrote Shell, praising MacLellan’s management skills and business growth achievements. MacLellan’s plans were not specified.

NBCU’s decision to more closely align the U.S and international operations with MacLellan’s departure “will perfectly position us for future growth, as we take advantage of our increased international footprint and the growing number of platforms for our content,” Shell continued. "The combination of our outstanding international team, with the strength and reach of our new sister company Sky, sets us up for future success in a very competitive marketplace."

MacLellan will stay on to work with Shell and Cesar Conde, chairman of NBCU's international group and Telemundo, during a transition period.

Last month, NBCU reorganized its Cable Entertainment Lifestyle Networks and announced the closure of its mobile gaming division.

Earlier this month, Bonnie Hammer, who had been leading the Peacock launch, was shifted to overseeing all broadcast and cable studio operations; Matt Strauss was brought in to head Peacock; and Paul Telegdy was named solo chairman of NBC Entertainment.

In the latest shuffle, Hammer, in addition to serving as chairman of NBCU Content Studios, will oversee its International Studios.

Jeff Wachtel, who has been heading International Studios and reporting to MacLellan, will now report to Hammer and Content Studios vice chair George Cheeks.

The production units now led by Hammer and Wachtel include Working Title, Heyday, Carnival, Matchbox and Monkey.

Ken Bettsteller, managing director of distribution and networks, NBCU Latin America, is being promoted to president, Global Networks, overseeing all non-Sky Network operations across EMEA, APAC and Latin America. He will report directly to Conde.

Lee Raftery, managing director of EMEA and Africa, and Justin Che, managing director international television, Asia-Pacific, will now report to Bettstellar.

DreamWorks Animation Networks, headed by Jennifer Lawlor, will report to Raftery.

Duccio Donati, EVP, Lifestyle & Kids Networks, will now report to Frances Berwick, president of NBCU Lifestyle Networks. Donati previously reported to MacLellan. Duccio will continue to oversee E! Entertainment Television internationally and add oversight of the reality-focused SVOD hayu, headed by Hendrik McDermott.

Global Distribution, led by Belinda Menendez, will now report jointly to Cheeks and Pete Levinsohn, president and chief distribution officer for Universal Filmed Entertainment Group.   

EMEA business development will move under Sky, with Ben Braun, SVP, Strategy & Business Development, coordinating Business Development in Latin America and APAC, in partnership with Conde and Che.

The leaders of each of the international functions (finance, HR, legal, government affairs, corporate communications, international media operations, facilities, real estate and security) will report to the U.S. functional heads of each group. 

David Gibbons, SVP, international operations and technology, will leave his role in 2020, “following completion of key integration projects,” Shell reported.

MacLellan worked closely with Shell for 14 years, managing more than 2,600 employees across 36 countries. Shell credited him with driving annual double-digit growth in the domestic and international businesses, and with turning NBCU’s International Studios into a “world-class home” of global hits including “Downton Abbey,” “Hannah” and “The Capture.”