Comcast’s NBCUniversal unit announced a reorganization of its ad sales unit under Linda Yaccarino, chairman of global advertising sales and partnerships.
“Across the board we have in-house experts across every agency, category, and advertising product positioned to understand the nuances across all industries, technologies, and customers. Our new structure empowers these experts to jump into any meeting, rise to any challenge, and provide even more support and solutions—all for your business,” Yaccarino said in a blog post.
One big change puts ad sales president Mark Marshall in charge of converged teams responsible for selling the company’s linear, digital and streaming inventory. Marshall will also oversee a new unit looking to sell ads to small and midsized businesses. The SMB unit will work closely with NBCU's local sales division.
The reorganization follows the departure of Laura Molen, who had been co-president with Marshall. Molen announced plans to leave NBCU late last year.
Last year, NBCUniversal’s ad team dismissed about 40 staffers as part of a larger corporate cost-cutting move.
Now, the ad sales unit will be adding people to its streaming and data project team under chief operating officer Krishan Bhatia, who has led development of the company’s technology stack and data capabilities.
The ad sales division will also be adding a new content & talent partnership team under chief marketing officer Josh Feldman. Feldman oversees commercial innovations, commerce products and strategic initiatives.
In the new structure, Marshall, Bhatia, and Feldman all report to Yaccarino.
Also reporting to Yaccarino are Frank Comerford, who heads local sales; Maggy Chan, who leads global sales; Tom Winiarski, in charge of planning, pricing and inventory management; Dan Lovinger, in charge of Olympic sponsorship; Peter Blacker, head of diversity, equity and inclusion; Christina Glorioso, point person for training and development; Gina LaRussa, head of human relations; Randy Culbertson, finance head; Jeff Hoeh, legal; and Joe Benarroch, communications.
Glorioso will oversee NBCU’s relationship with Salesforce, NBCU’s customer relationship management software provider, and Accenture, which runs its training program. ■
