Khanna exits NBCU, Shell, MacLellan take charge

NBC Universal International (NBCUI) president of global networks and digital initiatives Roma Khanna (below) is leaving, as new parent Comcast installs Jeff Shell and Kevin MacLellan at the top of its overseas business.

Khanna’s exit comes two weeks after NBCUI president Peter Smith stepped down. She has been with the company for almost four years, overseeing the roll-out of the company’s channels around the world.

Shell has been named NBCUI president, the role formerly held by Smith. He was previously president of Comcast Programming Group and was named chairman of NBCUI in November.

At the same time, Kevin MacLellan has been named NBCUI president of international television, reporting to Shell, with responsibility for overseeing sales, networks and production. He was previously president of Comcast International Media Group.

MacLellan will relocate from Los Angeles to London to take up his new role, taking NBCUI international TV distribution president Belinda Menendez with him. She adds responsibility for Universal Networks International to her portfolio, picking up where Khanna left off.

Menendez will report to MacLellan, as will Michael Edelstein, NBCUI TV production president. MacLellan reports to Shell, who said of the new structure: “My primary goal is to form our various divisions into one cohesive International business aligned with a common set of objectives, allowing our talented leaders to contribute to a unified strategic vision of future growth.”

Shell said of Khanna’s exit: “Roma is an outstanding executive who has done a remarkable job of building our network business. While I had hoped she would remain part of our leadership team, I wish her much success in her future career.”

Khanna joined NBCUI in September 2007 from Canada’s CHUM TV, where she was senior VP of content and co-head. During her time at the Peacock she has overseen a multimillion-dollar rebranding of the company’s international channel bouquet, which now comprises Universal, Syfy Universal, Studio Universal, Diva Universal and 13th Street Universal.