Advanced Television

NBCU merges distribution & networks for EMEA

August 27, 2015

NBCUniversal International (NBCUI) has announced the creation of a multi-territory, regional hub aligning its Distribution and Networks business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This new structure completes the company’s strategy of creating multi-territory regional hubs, having seen the success of integrating  two businesses in Latin America and Asia. The announcement was made by Belinda Menendez, President, NBCUI Distribution & Networks.

Satpal Brainch has been promoted to the newly created role of MD, Distribution & Networks, EMEA. In this role, Brainch will lead the company’s television business across Europe, Middle East and Africa; he’ll drive both content distribution and channels for the region from the company’s London headquarters, reporting to Menendez. Concurrently, Carolyn Stalins is appointed Senior Vice President, Distribution, EMEA. In this new role, Stalins will relocate from Paris to the company’s London headquarters to lead NBCUI’s content distribution across the region, reporting to Brainch. Both appointments are effective immediately.

“Evolving our EMEA structure is a key milestone – aligning with our successful approach in Latin America and Asia – ensuring that we are optimally positioned to harness opportunities across the region for both Distribution and Networks,” commented Menendez. “I am delighted to have the combined expertise of Satpal and Carolyn at the helm.”

In a separate, key development, Don McGregor, EVP, International Distribution – who continues to lead and oversee NBCU International’s Distribution and New Media business – will bring focus to maximizing the company’s sales strategy, taking on the additional responsibility of driving sales solutions. In this expanded role, continuing to report to Menendez, McGregor will relocate from London to Los Angeles in November where he’ll collaborate more closely with the company’s LA-based functions including Product, Marketing and Research.

Added Menendez: “As part of increasing our focus on providing more integrated solutions for our clients, I am thrilled to have Don leading the way. In over 13 years in London, Don has contributed a great deal to the growth of NBCU International’s Distribution business and I know that we’ll benefit from his expanded leadership, based out of LA.”

Brainch moves into this new position from his previous role as Executive Vice President & MD, NBCU International Networks,  responsible for the overall business strategy of the NBCUniversal International Networks’ portfolio – including Universal Channel, E!, Syfy, 13th Street, Studio Universal and DIVA.

Stalins was previously based in the company’s Paris office, most recently as MD, Southern Europe, Distribution & Networks with oversight of both businesses across France, Iberia and Italy.

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