NBC Universal expands executive roles

NEW YORK (Reuters) - NBC Universal said on Thursday it will expand the roles of three of its senior executives following the appointment of its new chief executive.

The shuffling of duties was anticipated following the promotion of NBC Universal Television group President Jeff Zucker to replace CEO Bob Wright.

The General Electric Co. controlled media conglomerate said Beth Comstock will assume the new title of president of integrated media, whose duties will now also include overseeing television advertising sales, on top of duties to oversee digital media.

TV ad sales will be managed by Michael Pilot, who reports to Comstock.

"By closely aligning ad sales with marketing, research and digital media, the company is now better positioned to meet the new, multiplatform marketing needs of its clients," NBCU said in a statement.

Jeff Gaspin, who runs the cable entertainment, digital content and "cross-network strategy" will now be president of cable and digital content, a newly created division that combines programing and distribution in a single unit.

Marc Graboff, president of the West coast television division will now oversee the entertainment, TV studio and promotions division.