Irusta out as NBCU restructures

Universal Networks International’s (UNI) senior VP of coproductions Martin Irusta is leaving the company as parent NBCUniversal (NBCU) integrates its global television division.

Former Fox exec Irusta, who has been with UNI since 2008, will leave as NBCU finalises its international television line-up following Comcast’s takeover of the firm last year. UNI’s senior VP of global affiliate sales Laurent Dumeau is also leaving.

The departures come in the wake of Comcast’s March restructure of its four international TV divisions. Kevin MacLellan and Jeff Shell were appointed to lead a converged faction, with former bosses Roma Khanna and Peter Smith moving on.

The new division now sees MacLellan as president with Belinda Menendez and Michael Edelstein supporting him as president of international television distribution and and president of international production respectively.

Menendez’s distribution unit now includes UK-based Don McGregor, who takes the new role of executive VP of international television. He is responsible for UK and Ireland, Benelux, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Asia Pacific.

Rob Bell takes the newly created role of senior VP of new media and will report to McGregor.

Duccio Donati is relocating from LA to London, taking on another new role as executive VP of UNI. He will oversee UNI’s MDs, who include Lucas Cadura in Italy; Christine Fellows in Asia Pacific; Colin McLeod in Benelux, CEE and Africa; Laurence Dawkin-Jones in the UK and Ireland; and Katherina Behrends in Germany.

Elsewhere, Ken Bettsteller has become UNI Latin America MD and will be based in Miami. His previous roles include chief operating officer of Comcast-owned E! Entertainment Television and senior positions at News Corp.

In Russia, Maxim Mikhailov becomes MD of international television, with Merab Gabuniya taking the same role at UNI Russia. Carolyn Stalins and Leonor Grandshire take the same roles in France, as do Maria Sanchez-Munoz and David Nunez in Spain and Portugal.

Over at Edelstein’s production division, Brad Wald joins from Comcast international Media Group as chief commercial officer. Meanwhile, Cheryl McDermott has become MD of Holland-based Universal Studios International, reporting to Bill Vrbanic.

“We have reached a milestone in determining the leadership organisation that positions us for future growth,” said MacLellan. “The new structure provides us with a unique opportunity to be more competitive, flexible, customer focused and positioned for growth.”