NBCUniversal appoints new Aus-NZ exec

NBCUniversal International today announced former Quikflix CEO Chris Taylor as to the newly created role of Vice President, International Television, to be based in Sydney.

Taylor’s previous roles include CEO Prime TV NZ, Managing Director Nine Network Brisbane and Director of Telstra Media and has 18 years in media and entertainment.

He will work across Universal Networks International (UNI) and International TV Distribution (TVD), following a 2011 integration of channels, distribution and production businesses.

Taylor will report to Christine Fellowes, Managing Director, Universal Networks International, APAC and Justin Che, SVP Sales Liaison, APAC.

“Chris joins us at an exciting juncture for UNI in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, we recently completed brand refreshes for E! and Style and renewed our distribution with FOXTEL securing basic carriage for our transformed Universal Channel – our flagship channel brand – and the launch of the global channel brand, Syfy,” said Fellowes.

“Our ambition is to develop our channels into multi-platform, entertainment and lifestyle brands that lead in their categories – and Chris’ ability to manage high-performing teams to deliver innovative campaigns will be critical to this achievement.”

Justin Che added: “Chris’ proven track record in driving integrated media revenue will be important as we continue to grow this region. His understanding of the complete media landscape, together with his proven commercial acumen, will be instrumental in successfully driving growth in the distribution of our content across all television and digital media platforms.”

From January 1, 2014 Universal Networks International will operate five channels in Australia, including Syfy, Universal Channel, E!, 13th Street and Style.

Taylor will start on November 25.