Just hours after resigning as the head of ad sales from NBCUniversal, Elon Musk said Friday that Linda Yaccarino will be Twitter’s next CEO. Musk said Yaccarino “will focus primarily on business operations, while I focus on product design & new technology.”
The company announced Yaccarino’s departure in a news release, noting it was effective immediately.
Linda Yaccarino said, “It has been an absolute honor to be part of Comcast NBCUniversal and lead the most incredible team. We’ve transformed our company and the entire industry—and I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and grateful to my colleagues and mentors, especially Brian Roberts, Mike Cavanagh and the entire NBCU leadership team.”
While he offered no names or details, Musk said Thursday that he had hired a new CEO. He made the announcement today on Twitter after NBC’s press release:
Musk said he plans to remain with the company as its chief technology officer.
Yaccarino joined NBCUniversal in 2011 and oversaw one of the largest advertising portfolios in U.S. media, including cable and broadcast television, multiple news outlets and more recently the company’s digital platforms, including Peacock.
She joins as Twitter remains in flux. Having laid off thousands of employees when Musk took over in October, the social media giant is a little more dwarfed. Yaccarino will need to address these issues.
REELated:
Mark Marshall becomes Interim Chairman NBCUniversal’s Ad Group
Over at NBCUniversal Mark Marshall, currently President, Advertising Sales and Client Partnerships, will become interim Chairman of NBCUniversal’s Advertising and Partnerships group, reporting to Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.
Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation said, “We are grateful for Linda Yaccarino’s leadership of NBCUniversal’s Advertising Sales business, and for the innovative team and platform she has built. Linda has made countless contributions to the company during her twelve year tenure, and we wish her the best.”
Lazarus was named Chairman, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming in May 2020. In this role, Lazarus is responsible for the company’s television networks – NBC, Telemundo, USA Network, SYFY, Bravo, Oxygen True Crime, E!, Universal Kids, and international networks. He also oversees the company’s Direct to Consumer businesses, including Peacock, as well as NBC Sports Group, owned television stations, and NBC affiliate relations.
Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Lazarus was President of Media and Marketing at CSE, and previously served as President of Turner Entertainment Group from 2003 to 2008, where he oversaw all aspects of Turner Entertainment Networks, including advertising sales. Previously, he served as President of Turner Sports from 1999 to 2003.
Marshall was named President, Advertising Sales and Partnerships, NBCUniversal, in 2018. In this role, Marshall has strategic oversight of all advertising sales initiatives for NBCUniversal’s NBC Broadcast Entertainment, NBC Sports, advanced advertising sales and client partnerships. Previously, Marshall held the post of Executive Vice President,Entertainment Advertising Sales Group, NBCUniversal. In this role, Marshall oversaw the combined advertising sales for NBC Broadcast Entertainment, USA, Syfy and WWE.
Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Marshall held multiple advertising sales and sports positions at Turner Broadcasting between 1999 – 2013. In his most recent role at Turner, Marshall served as Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager. Prior to that, Marshall was Vice President and National Sales Manager for Turner Sports, leading the Midwest regional sales, and served as Vice President of Turner Sports Advertising Sales for the West Coast region.
Reel 360 News wishes Linda the best of luck at Twitter.
