Burke replaces Zucker at NBCU

Comcast’s chief operating officer Steve Burke will replace Jeff Zucker as NBC Universal (NBCU) CEO after the cableco completes its buy-out of the Peacock from General Electric (GE).

Zucker on Friday announced he was leaving the company, with Burke immediately linked to the post. Comcast yesterday confirmed the appointment. Burke is Comcast’s current chief operating officer and was previously president of Comcast Cable.

He will work with Zucker to ensure a “smooth leadership transition,” according to a joint Comcast/GE statement. No other personnel changes will be made until Burke is installed, the companies added.

The news comes as NBCU minority shareholder Vivendi today confirmed the sale of its 7.66% stake to GE for US$2bn. It will sell its remaining 12.34% to Comcast for US$3.8bn when the US cable company gains its planned 51% NBCU stake from GE.

The move is in line with Vivendi’s plans to exit the US juggernaut to leave the way clear for Comcast to come in. The Comcast takeover values NBCU at US$30bn, with the cableco contributing a further US$7bn of its own assets to the new venture.

The buy-out has attracted much criticism from indies and rivals and US regulator the Federal Communications Commission is currently examining the deal, though approval is expected.