Comcast announced the new board members for the Versant Media Group, which will handle NBCUniversal’s cable networks and digital operations. Mark Lazarus will lead as the CEO. This spin-off from Comcast is set to transform Versant into a standalone public company by late 2025.
Versant will include major networks like USA Network, CNBC, and MSNBC, alongside digital assets like Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes. With over 65 million U.S. households in its reach, it’s projected to generate around $7 billion in annual revenue.
Brian Roberts, the CEO of Comcast, will hold one-third of Versant’s voting interests but will not join the board. David Novak, the chairman of Versant’s board, is known for his leadership role at Yum! Brands, the parent of fast-food giants KFC and Taco Bell.
New Board Members
Mark Lazarus: Formerly the chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, Lazarus has extensive experience in TV and streaming.
David Novak: A leadership coach and former CEO of Yum! Brands, Novak emphasizes developing better leaders.
Rebecca Campbell: She previously led international content at Disney and is now involved with Meow Wolf, known for immersive art experiences.
Creighton Condon: A legal expert in mergers and acquisitions, Condon has a background that includes serving as senior partner at Shearman & Sterling.
Michael Conway: The former North America CEO of Starbucks, Conway has also held senior roles at Campbell Soup.
David Eun: Known for his work at Samsung, Eun now advises a generative AI company and is a co-founder of an investment firm.
Gerald L. Hassell: Former chairman of the Bank of New York Mellon, he brings extensive financial expertise.
Scott Mahoney: CEO of Peter Millar, he has a strong background in retail, including at Polo Ralph Lauren.
Maritza Montiel: With experience at Deloitte, she previously led U.S. regions and helped establish Deloitte University.
Len Potter: An investment expert, Potter has a history of serving on various corporate boards.
Insights and Reactions
Many experts in the media industry are watching this spin-off closely. According to recent data from PwC, the media and entertainment sector is set to grow to $2.4 trillion by 2024. Such shifts reflect broader trends where companies are focusing more on niche markets and specific content strategies.
User reactions on social media have been mixed. Some see this move as a fresh start that can lead to innovative programming, while others worry about potential impacts on content quality and accessibility.
Conclusion
This new chapter for Versant Media Group brings together experienced leaders aiming to enhance governance and drive success. As they move toward being a public entity, it will be interesting to see how they leverage their extensive media portfolio to stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.
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Comcast,Versant