NBCUniversal’s content distribution chairman Matt Bond set to retire as Comcast prepares cable spin-off

NBCUniversal’s chairman of content distribution Matt Bond is retiring from his post, one of several high-profile departures announced by Comcast this month as it prepares to execute its cable spin-off later this year.

Matt Bond

In his role, Bond oversaw distribution agreements for all NBCUniversal content by multi-channel video providers and new media distributors, including the distribution of NBCUniversal’s linear cable and broadcast network.

Bond has been with NBCUniversal and Comcast for more than 20 years and was previously the VP of content acquisition for Comcast Cable.

“In the spirit of leaving on a high note, I have decided that it is the right time professionally and personally for me to retire,” he said in an internal memo.

He added that he had been asked to serve in an advisory role “for the next few years” and had “agreed to do so.”

Bond noted that he would be working with NBCUniversal’s president of content distribution Matt Schnaars “through a transition” and that they would be working closely with Comcast’s chairman of direct-to-consumer and international Matt Strauss on “how our team will fit into the new Media Group structure.”

News of Bond’s retirement comes during a two-week period of major personnel changes at Comcast, ahead of the planned spin-off of seven cable channels to form a separate publicly traded company. The new entity, currently called SpinCo, will consist of MSNBC, USA Network, CNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel, in addition to digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and SportsEngine.

Other announcements emanating from NBCUniversal and Comcast over the past two weeks include the departure of MSNBC president Rashida Jones, exit of Peacock president Kelly Campbell, the appointment of an executive team to lead SpinCo and the closure of children’s net Universal Kids.