New chief for NBC Universal International

NEWS BRIEF: Universal Pictures International president Peter Smith has been promoted to president of NBC Universal International, replacing Frederick Huntsberry, who quit in July to join Paramount Pictures.

Smith will report into Bob Wright, vice chairman of NBC Universal parent General Electric. He will continue to be based in London, where he’s been president of UPI since its creation in 2000.

In his new post, Smith will have overall responsibility for growing NBCU’s international operations including television, global networks and new media distribution, which is led by president of NBC Universal International Television Distribution, Belinda Menendez.