NBCUniversal’s CEO Jeff Shell has mutually agreed to part ways with parent company Comcast (CMCSA) after admitting to an “inappropriate relationship” with a woman within the organization.
“Today is my last day as CEO of NBCUniversal,” Shell said in a statement on Sunday. “I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret. I'm truly sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down, they are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them the last 19 years has been a privilege.”
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Comcast had reportedly hired outside counsel after a complaint was filed by the woman on Shell, who was promoted to CEO of NBCUniversal in 2020. A few months after Shell’s hiring, he saw NBCUniversal’s vice chairman Rob Meyer part ways with the company due to an extortion threat triggered by an extramarital affair.
Comcast President Mike Cavanagh will fulfill Shell’s role in the interim according to a company wide email.
Cavanagh and Comcast CEO Brain Roberts said this in a separate statement:
“We are disappointed to share this news with you. We built this company on a culture of integrity. Nothing is more important than how we treat each other. You should count on your leaders to create a safe and respectful workplace. When our principles and policies are violated, we will always move quickly to take appropriate action, as we have done here.”
Shell guided the birth of NBC's streaming service Peacock in 2020. While the streaming service has grown under Shell, Comcast lost $2.5 billion from the service in 2022 and expects to lose $3 billion this year.
Comcast’s Q1 earnings call is scheduled for Thursday.
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