• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, February 6, 2008

ESPN's new-media point person is shifting to NBC Universal in a role that includes global business strategy and new corporate investments. As president, business operations, strategy and development, Salil Mehta will report to NBCU CEO Jeff Zucker.

Mehta's multifaceted responsibilities will include trend spotting for future growth opportunities and identifying new investment avenues. "Salil is a first-rate strategic thinker and dealmaker, with a proven track record," Zucker said. "He's got a knack for picking the right opportunities at the right time."

As executive vice president at ESPN Enterprises, Mehta oversaw off-air initiatives and spearheaded the company's new-media expansion, such as the launch of broadband site ESPN 360, which now offers thousands of live events. He also oversaw the move into mobile content leading to an ESPN channel on Verizon's V-Cast.

Mehta had served as executive vice president, corporate business development and strategic planning for the Disney company before joining ESPN. The Disney role included mergers and acquisitions and development of CEO Bob Iger's five-year plan.

In 1994, he came to Disney as manager, corporate strategic planning.