Netflix hires former NBCU TV chairman Jeff Gaspin for unscripted post

The Tinder Swindler (Source: Netflix)

Netflix has appointed former NBC Universal Television Entertainment chief Jeff Gaspin as VP of unscripted series.

Gaspin will be based in the streamer’s Los Angeles HQ and report to Brandon Riegg, VP of non-fiction. He takes over the role vacated by Jenn Levy last month.

Gaspin served as chairman of NBC Universal Television Entertainment from 2009 to 2011, during which time he led across business, creative and distribution for the portfolio and played a key role in NBC’s acquisition of The Voice singing show format.

The exec also served as president and COO at NBC Universal Television Group, as well as president of Bravo and VP of programming and development at NBC News.

He exited the company in 2011, following its acquisition by Comcast, and founded Gaspin Media, under which banner he produced Netflix’s true crime smash The Tinder Swindler, as well as music competition series Rhythm + Flow, and The First Lady for Showtime.

“Jeff is such a huge talent, with so much experience across unscripted and television in general, and I couldn’t be more excited that he’s joining us,” said Riegg. “From Rhythm + Flow to The Tinder Swindler, he’s already been part of the Netflix family and we’re looking forward to continuing working with him and learning from him in this lively world of unscripted TV.”

“I feel a bit like Al Pacino in The Godfather Part III: Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in,” said Gaspin. “I’m so thrilled to join Brandon and the unscripted team at Netflix.”

Deadline first reported Gaspin’s appointment.