Peter Smith to head NBC worldwide operations

US studio giant NBC Universal, which produces the US version of The Office, has hired Peter Smith, currently president of Universal Pictures International, to head its worldwide operation from London.
Peter Smith has been promoted to the role of president of NBC Universal International, succeeding Frederick Huntsberry, who left the company in July to join Paramount Pictures.
The announcement was made on September 18 by Bob Wright, the vice chairman of GE, and the chairman and CEO of NBC Universal, to whom Smith reports.
Smith has been serving as president of Universal Pictures International (UPI) since its inception in 2000. He will continue to be responsible for UPI through the end of 2006 to allow for an orderly leadership transition. He will also continue to be based in London.
As president of NBC Universal International, Smith will be charged with spearheading international business growth opportunities for NBC Universal in partnership with key leaders in each business, as well as identifying ways to better leverage NBCU’s existing international business by assuring that efforts are coordinated across all of the company’s divisions.
Wright commented: “Peter is an experienced and talented global executive with strong relationships across the industry. His international experience will prove invaluable to extending our global footprint across all platforms and accelerating our international growth."
(DS)