Steve Burke is preparing to step down from his post as CEO of NBCUniversal once his current contract expires in August 2020, according to The Wrap. Jeff Shell, currently Chairman of NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment, is considered the leading contender to succeed Burke as CEO. Another potential candidate is Mark Lazarus, who currently serves as Chairman of NBCUniversal Broadcast, Cable, Sports and News.
A Comcast veteran since 1998, Burke was named Chief Executive of NBCUniversal shortly after Comcast acquired the media company from General Electric in a 2011 deal worth $30 billion. Prior to Comcast, Burke served in various roles at The Walt Disney Company, including as President of ABC Broadcasting.
The executive’s exit comes at a key moment for the company, as it looks to venture into the increasingly crowded direct-to-consumer space with the launch of its ad-supported streaming service Peacock in a couple of months.
Shell has long been considered to be Burke’s most likely successor, having been with Comcast since 2004. Back in January, he and Lazarus both saw their duties expanded under Burke. Shell, then Chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, added oversight of NBC Entertainment, Telemundo, and NBCU’s international operations. Lazarus, Head of NBC’s sports operations, took over control of the company’s cable operations.
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