NBCU acquisitions boss Mark Lawrence leaving the company

Mark Lawrence, NBC Universal Global Network’s acquisitions boss, is leaving the company this month, TBIvision understands.

Lawrence is director of global programme acquisitions at the Hollywood studio’s channels division and will leave at the end of the month.

News of his departure follows that of international president Pete Smith and comes as the company restructures following its merger with US cabler and channel operator Comcast.

NBCU confirmed Lawrence’s departure, but would not comment on whether he will be replaced.

Lawrence oversees acquisitions for a slew of NBCU channels including Universal Channel, 13th Street Universal, Syfy Universal, Diva Universal and Studio Universal.

He was head of acquisitions for Sparrowhawk, before Hallmark and its portfolio of other channels were bought by NBCU in late 2007 and survived the subsequent restructure.