NBCUniversal Content Distribution Chairman Matt Bond to Exit

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Matt Bond, who currently serves as the head of content distribution for NBCUniversal, has shared that he plans to leave Hollywood’s studio prior to the separation of Comcast’s cable networks.

Bond made the decision that now is the perfect moment, both career-wise and personally, for him to retire,” reads an internal memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. Notably, Bond has consented to take on an advisory position at NBCUniversal for a few years after retirement.

Comcast intends to split off the majority of its cable television channels into a new standalone company, with Mark Lazarus serving as the CEO. This reorganization, which will be structured as a tax-exempt spinoff for Comcast shareholders, is anticipated to take approximately one year to finalize.

In his farewell statement, Bond asserted that NBCUniversal’s distribution network has never been stronger.

The full internal memo from Matt Bond follows:

Hi everyone,

Happy New Year.

To start off, I’d like to express my heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved for the remarkable success in closing 17 crucial deals between 2023 and 2024. These deals were not only significant for NBCUniversal but also marked a critical juncture where streaming and linear cable intersected, paving the way for innovative packaging concepts. We surpassed all our financial targets while ensuring room for Peacock’s expansion. As we’ve consistently done for the past 13 years, this was achieved without any distribution disruptions. NBCUniversal has never been in a stronger position distribution-wise. In keeping with tradition, I have chosen to retire at this opportune moment, both professionally and personally. However, the company has requested my continued guidance in an advisory role, which I am pleased to accept. As some of you may be aware, I have been pondering this decision for quite some time, taking into account my personal challenges. But as Lisa often said, “It’s always best to leave when the party is just getting started.

Matt Schnaars and I are currently navigating a transition period, collaborating closely with Matt Strauss to determine our team’s role within the new Media Group structure. We will keep you updated as we finalize these details. I am deeply appreciative and proud of my long-standing tenure with Comcast NBCUniversal, having joined the company in 2002 and never considering another professional opportunity since then. Comcast is an exceptional workplace that values its employees, a trait that permeates from Brian Laiacona all the way down to the organization’s core. I have always received more support and kindness than I ever anticipated or deserved while working here.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated with each of you – some of the sharpest and most resourceful professionals in our field. Together, we’ve witnessed numerous transformations in the television sector, and there are undoubtedly more on the horizon. However, audiences continue to appreciate the programming we create, and the outlook is optimistic as emerging technologies broaden our content’s impact. Throughout this journey, NBCU’s team has proven adaptable, discovering innovative solutions that not only helped us weather these changes but also solidified an unmatched status of success within our peers. I want you to know that all this hard work doesn’t go unnoticed – it’s the product of countless sleepless nights, many spent working beyond typical office hours, including weekends and holidays.

I am incredibly proud of the achievements we’ve made together over the past ten years. It’s truly an amazing feat. Our small, yet mighty team has been instrumental in our success. To put it another way, many owe a great deal to just a few. I won’t be going far and I’m excited about continuing to work with all of you in my new role.

Thank you for everything.

Matt

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2025-01-15 21:54