Burke Named CEO of NBC Universal

Current COO to succeed Zucker

By Jon Lafayette -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/26/2010 2:51:30 PM

Comcast's COO Stephen Burke will become CEO of NBC Universal when the cable giant completes its acquisition of NBCU, Comcast announced Sunday.

On Friday, NBCU's current CEO, Jeff Zucker, announced that Burke had told him Comcast wanted to pick its own leadership when it assumed control of NBCU. Zucker will stay in the position until the government review of the transaction is complete.

Burke is a former ABC executive and the son of Capital Cities/ABC exec Dan Burke. He has been responsible for the integration of cable systems Comcast has acquired from AT&T and Adelphia.

 "Steve Burke is an experienced, talented and visionary leader with over 25 years in the media and entertainment industry," said Comcast Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Roberts. "Steve is one of the most well-respected executives in the industry, and I am confident that he will lead NBCU forward to a new era of growth."

 "I have known Steve Burke for many years and greatly respect him," said Jeff Immelt, CEO of Geneal Electric, which will retain a minority interest in NBCU. "He has deep expertise in this industry and I am very confident that he will be a strong leader for NBC Universal."