Shell takes charge of Universal Studios

UK-based NBCUniversal International chairman Jeff Shell has been given the top job at Universal’s Hollywood film and TV studio as part of a major shake-up.

Jeff Shell

Shell, who moved to London two years ago to take charge of NBCU’s international TV production, distribution and global networks operations, has relocated to Los Angeles and been named chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group.

In the newly-created post he will oversee the motion picture group’s worldwide operations, including global theatrical and home entertainment.

Also as part of the shake-up, Universal Pictures chairman Adam Fogelson is leaving the studio and being replaced by Donna Langley, previously co-chairman. Ron Meyer, president and chief operating officer of Universal Studios, becomes vice chairman of NBCU.

Previously president of the programming group at NBCU parent Comcast, Shell is better known in TV than film circles. But in announcing the shake-up NBCU CEO Steve Burke said: “Having led NBCUniversal’s international operations for the last two-and-a-half-years, Jeff is perfectly positioned to lead our film group at a time when global expansion is more important than ever.”

A company representative said there was no news of a replacement for Shell at NBCU International.

In related news, Jeff Wachtel, Chris McCumber and Frances Berwick have taken on new responsibilities as part of a reorganisation of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.

NBCU Cable chairman Bonnie Hammer said in a memo to staff that the changes were being made to avoid “complacency” at the division, which encompasses US networks including USA, Syfy, Bravo, E! and Oxygen.

Wachtel, previously co-president of USA Network, now becomes president and CEO of NBCU Cable, a move that Hammer said will “maximise his original programming expertise and business savvy by extending his purview across the entire portfolio.”

McCumber, also previously co-president of USA Network, now becomes the channel’s sole president.

Bravo president Berwick adds oversight of the female-targeted Oxygen network to her existing responsibilities. Current Oxygen Media president Jason Klarman is leaving the network.

Hammer also said that NBCU Cable’s Style network will be rebranded as the Esquire Network, becoming “a lifestyle network that speaks to an upscale male audience under served in the current marketplace.”