Following a review by independent counsel into a complaint of “inappropriate conduct,” NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell is resigning, Comcast announced on Sunday.
In a statement, Shell said, “I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman inside the organisation, which I greatly regret. “I’m sincerely sorry I let my colleagues at Comcast and NBCUniversal down. They are the most talented people in the industry, and having the chance to work with them for the past 19 years has been a privilege,” said the employee.
In January 2020, Shell, who had worked for the firm since 2004, was named CEO of NBCUniversal. According to the corporate website, he headed a substantial television and sports production operation, a prominent motion picture company, the company’s portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, and a leading group of television stations.
Shell’s departure, “effective immediately,” according to Comcast, following an examination into a complaint by outside counsel. However, it made no additional explanations.
Comcast remained mum over Shell’s replacement.
“We regret having to inform you of this news. This business was established on a foundation of integrity. The way we treat one another is the most crucial thing. You can rely on your leaders to establish a polite and secure working environment. We will always respond immediately to take the necessary steps when our beliefs and standards are breached, as we have done here,” it stated.
It marked the most recent media executive to leave due to a romance. Following the revelation of a sexual relationship with a senior official at the cable news network, CNN chief Jeff Zucker resigned last year. In 2013, Zucker was appointed president of CNN. Prior to that, he was CEO of NBCUniversal.
In 2020, NBCUniversal Vice Chairman Ron Meyer announced his resignation from the firm after admitting he had been threatened with extortion after reaching a settlement with a woman he had an affair with.
In a statement at the time, Shell said that Meyer “acted in a manner which we believe is not consistent with our company policies or values.”
