NBC Names Pearlena Igbokwe to Lead Global TV Studios, Replacing Bonnie Hammer

(Bloomberg) -- NBCUniversal named Pearlena Igbokwe to lead its global television studio business, elevating a Black woman to a key management role at Comcast Corp.’s entertainment division.

As the new chairman of Universal Studio Group, Igbokwe replaces Bonnie Hammer, a longtime cable-TV executive who will take on an advisory role at the company.

The promotion helps NBCUniversal diversify its top management ranks. Igbokwe, who emigrated from Nigeria as a child, became the first Black woman to run a major TV studio when she was named head of Universal Television in 2016. In that role, she oversaw shows like “The Good Place,” “Superstore” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” She previously worked at Showtime.

The move marks the latest leadership change at the Comcast’s entertainment division under NBCUniversal Chief Executive Officer Jeff Shell, who was promoted to his post in January.

It’s also the latest major shake-up at a TV studio this week. On Tuesday, Netflix Inc. named Bela Bajaria the head of a new global television division, promoting her over 18-year veteran Cindy Holland.

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