Pearlena Igbokwe and Frances Berwick handed reins of a reorganised NBCUniversal television group
Pearlena Igbokwe (left) and Frances Berwick
NBCUniversal (NBCU) has implemented a wide-ranging restructure, handing expanded roles to Pearlena Igbokwe and Frances Berwick, who will oversee a new-look television group.
The new set-up brings together the New York-headquartered company’s television studios, NBC Entertainment, Bravo and Peacock into a “cohesive organisation,” said NBCU.
Igbokwe, who was previously the president of Universal Studio Group (USG), has been named chairman of television studios, NBC Entertainment and Peacock scripted, while Berwick, who was formerly the chairman of NBCU Entertainment, has been appointed chairman of Bravo and Peacock.
In her expanded capacity, Igbokwe will oversee NBC Entertainment, including its scripted, unscripted, live, late-night and specials, as well as Peacock’s scripted originals. She will continue to lead USG, which houses Universal Television, UCP, Universal International Studios and Universal Television Alternative Studio.
Berwick will continue to have oversight of first-run syndication and unscripted programming across Bravo and Peacock, including its documentaries, true crime and major unscripted franchises such as The Traitors and Love Island.
Corie Henson, executive VP of unscripted content, competition and gameshows for NBCU Entertainment, is leaving the company as a result of the restructure. Deadline was first to report Henson’s departure.
As well as Igbokwe and Berwick’s promotions, NBCU also handed an expanded role to chief business officer Liz Jenkins, who will now oversee content strategy, TV acquisitions, strategy and business operations across both the entertainment and studio groups.
In addition, Jenny Storms has been promoted to chief marketing officer for NBCU Television & Streaming. She will oversee the brand strategy, marketing, media and consumer engagement for all entertainment content and sports.
The announcement was made by Donna Langley, chairman of NBCU Entertainment & Studios, and Matt Strauss, chairman of NBCU Media Group.
The reorganisation is taking place ahead of Comcast’s planned spin-off of seven cable channels to form a separate publicly traded company. There have been several high-profile departures in recent weeks, including those of Peacock president Kelly Campbell and MSNBC president Rashida Jones.
The new entity, currently dubbed SpinCo, will comprise MSNBC, USA Network, CNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel, in addition to digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and SportsEngine. Mark Lazarus is moving from his role as chairman of NBCU Media Group to become CEO of SpinCo, which is set to launch later this year.
“As you can see, the formation of this group is a testament to the incredible talent we have here at NBCUniversal,” said Langley of the leadership announcements.
“With our shared vision and combined expertise, we are poised to lead our dynamic industry in creativity and innovation, and seize growth opportunities for our business while delighting audiences across all platforms.”
