Jeff Shell takes new role in top level NBCU shake-up

NBCUniversal’s international boss Jeff Shell has been given a new role, becoming chairman of the Studio’s film division.

Shell will relocate to the US from London where, as NBCU’s international boss he has been based.

In the international role Shell relocated from LA to London and had overall responsibility for all NBCUniversal International businesses, including its International TV distribution, global television networks and international television production units. Prior to running the international business he was president of programming at Comcast, the US cabler that bought NBCU.

Shell will now oversee worldwide operations for the motion picture group including its global theatrical and home entertainment businesses.

Kevin MacLellan, NBCU’s president, international television reported to Jeff Shell under the old structure. Whether he assumes overall control of the international operations is not clear and NBCUniversal did not respond to numerous requests for comment.

Shell’s appointment came as NBCU upped Ron Meyer to vice chairman and renewed his contract until 2017.

The international news broke at the same time as major changes were announced at NBCU’s US cable channel division. Jeff Wachtel has been upped to president and chief content officer, having previously been co-president of USA Network and head of content Universal Cable Productions.

In other changes, the upcoming Esquire cable network will now reportedly replace the Style! Network. It was previously expected to fill the place of gamer network G4. A joint venture between NBCU and Hearst Magazines, the channel will be programmed with content aimed at the same audience as the monthly men’s glossy.