NBCUniversal Media Group has promoted Gus O’Brien to president, international networks and direct-to-consumer, effective April 1.
He succeeds Ken Bettsteller, who will move into an advisory role focused on key international NBCUniversal Media Group ventures.
The appointment was announced by Matt Strauss, chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, who said the division includes a range of international brands spanning linear channels, the Universal+ hybrid service and reality-focused SVOD platform Hayu.
“Our International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer portfolio brings some of our most beloved brands to audiences around the world, including a suite of popular networks, the hybrid linear/non-linear service Universal+, and the all-reality SVOD service Hayu,” said Strauss.
“Gus is a worthy successor to Ken Bettsteller – who has been a formidable leader in our company for over 2 decades – and I’m excited for Gus to bring his innovative leadership to the broader group, working with the international management team to further strengthen and support these brands.”
O’Brien moves up from his current role as managing director, Latin America, a position he has held since 2020. During that time, he oversaw NBCUniversal’s joint ventures in Spanish-speaking Latin America and Brazil, while also leading the shift from a cable networks model towards streaming through the launch of Universal+.
At the same time, Hendrik McDermott will widen his existing responsibilities leading networks and DTC across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, along with Hayu, to take on all direct-to-consumer operations across NBCUniversal’s international footprint as managing director, international DTC and EMEA, Canada.
Hayu, NBCUniversal’s all-reality streaming service, marks its 10th anniversary this month.
