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HBO in the US has unveiled a new management team after incumbent chairman and CEO Bill Nelson announced his retirement.
Nelson will leave the premium cable network after almost 30 years, having been chairman and CEO since 2007. Under his tenure, HBO has reported record revenues and profits, the launch of HBO Go and the company’s international expansion.
Before he took up his current post, Nelson became chief operating officer in 2002 and prior to that, held roles including exec VP and chief financial officer.
When he leaves at the end of the year, Richard Plepler will become the premium cable channel’s new CEO, with Eric Kessler promoted to president and COO. Michael Lombardo will retain his current role as president of programming.
Plepler has been HBO’s co-president since 2007, working with Lombardo to greenlight some of its most successful series, including True Blood, Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones. He joined HBO in 1992.
As HBO’s other co-president, Kessler has been responsible for affiliate sales, marketing HBO’s international channels, programme licensing, technology and IT. He is also in charge of its digital strategy and oversaw the launch of HBO Go.
Jeff Bewkes, chairman and CEO of HBO parent Time Warner, said Nelson “is a world-class CEO and leaves the company well-positioned for the future.”
