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NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell is stepping down following an investigation by outside counsel after a complaint of “inappropriate conduct,” Comcast announced on Sunday.
“I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret,” Shell said in a statement. “I’m truly sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down, they are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them the last 19 years has been a privilege.”
Shell, who had been with the company since 2004, was named CEO of NBCUniversal in January 2020. He oversaw the company’s portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television and sports production operations, and a leading television stations group, according to the company website.
He also oversaw the company’s theme parks and a premium ad-supported streaming service called Peacock, which was launched in 2020.
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Comcast said Shell’s departure, “effective immediately,” followed an investigation led by outside counsel into a complaint. But it offered no further details.
Comcast did not say who will succeed Shell.
Comcast Chief Executive Brian Roberts and Comcast President Mike Cavanaugh said in a note to employees that Shell’s senior team would report to Cavanaugh, according to a copy provided to USA TODAY.
“We are disappointed to share this news with you. We built this company on a culture of integrity. Nothing is more important than how we treat each other. You should count on your leaders to create a safe and respectful workplace. When our principles and policies are violated, we will always move quickly to take appropriate action, as we have done here,” it said.
It marked the latest media executive to exit because of a relationship. Last year, CNN chief Jeff Zucker resigned after the disclosure of a sexual relationship with a top executive at the cable news network. Zucker, who came president of CNN in 2013, had previously served as CEO of NBCUniversal.
In 2020, NBCUniversal Vice Chairman Ron Meyer left the company after revealing he received threats of extortion following a settlement with a woman with whom he had an affair.
At the time, Shell said in a statement that Meyer “acted in a manner which we believe is not consistent with our company policies or values.”
Contributing: The Associated Press
Chris Kenning is a national correspondent. Reach him at ckenning@usatoday.com and on Twitter @chris_kenning.
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