NBC recruits TV veteran as Australia and NZ boss

NBCUniversal has hired Chris Taylor, a veteran of the Australian and New Zealand TV industries as its Sydney-based VP, international television.

The new role involves working across NBCUniversal’s channels and programme sales business in Australia and New Zealand following the studio’s move to combine both sides of the business.

Taylor spent over a decade at Australian commercial broadcaster Nine Network, latterly as managing director. He has also been CEO of Kiwi broadcaster Prime.

He has also been director of the digital media division of Australian telco Telstra and his most recent role was CEO of subscription VOD service Quickflix.

At NBCU Taylor will report to Christine Fellowes, managing director, UNI APAC and Justin Che, senior VP Sales Liaison, APAC.

Belinda Menendez, president, Universal Networks International and International Television Distribution said: “We have seen great success in taking an integrated approach to our television business and our clients – including Foxtel in Australia – have responded with new long-term deals for both channels and content. I am delighted to augment our strong leadership team in the APAC region.”

From January 1, 2014 Universal Networks International will operate five channels in Australia: Syfy, Universal Channel, E!, 13th Street and Style.