Formats chief Pilkington exits NBCU

NBCUniversal (NBCU) International Studios’ format chief, Yvonne Pilkington, has left her role, TBI has learned.

Pilkington has been with the international arm of Comcast-owned NBCU since 2009, but is leaving for a career change.

Her role saw her lead all format development, production and sales, working on shows such as Top Chef and The Real Housewives franchise.

“Yvonne Pilkington, senior VP of format sales and production, has left International Studios to embark on a new direction,” NBCU said in a statement issued this morning.

“Having spent the majority of her career in the television business, she has decided to now pursue her own creative ambitions, and will shortly embark on a Masters Degree in Creative Writing. We wish her all the best in her new endeavour.”

TBI understands NBCU International Studios, which is based in London, is on the verge of announcing her replacement.

Before NBCU, Pilkington worked in senior positions at companies such as All3Media and Eyeworks Distribution.

Last year, TBI also revealed news NBCU had closed its central formats development unit, Tellycopter, following the exit of SVP David Mortimer, who later joined Tinopolis as director of content.

Last month, Lee Raftery was handed an expanded marketing and programming role at NBCUniversal International Networks after UK and and emerging markets chief Colin McLeod left.