Kevin MacLellan, chairman of global distribution and international at NBCUniversal, is exiting his post after more than a decade at the company, prompting an organizational shift to merge U.S. and international operations.

Jeff Shell, chairman of NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment, informed staff in an email Oct. 30, Realscreen confirmed.

MacLellan (pictured) has agreed to remain at the company until a transition plan is in place.

“Kevin and I have worked closely together for over 14 years, during which time he has always been a trusted friend and advisor,” Shell stated in the email. “We are sorry to see him go, but look forward to seeing what his next chapter will be.”

As part of the shift, NBCUniversal Content Studios Chairman Bonnie Hammer adds International Studios to her purview alongside vice chairman George Cheeks.

The company’s International Formats group will now report to Meredith Ahr, president of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group.

Ken Bettseller will become president of global networks, overseeing all non-Sky Network operations across EMEA, APAC and LatAm.

Duccio Donati, EVP of lifestyle and kids networks, will continue to oversee E! Entertainment Television internationally, taking on oversight of Hayu.

Global distribution, led by Belinda Menendez, will now report jointly to Cheeks and Peter Levinsohn, president and chief distribution officer for Universal Filmed Entertainment Group.

Business development in EMEA will move under Sky, with Ben Braun, SVP of strategy and business development, coordinating business development in LatAm and APAC in partnership with Justin Che and Cesar Conde, chairman of NBCUniversal International Group and NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises.

“This will perfectly position us for future growth, as we take advantage of our increased international footprint and the growing number of platforms for our content,” Shell stated.

“Change is never easy, but I’m confident that we have never been better positioned for global growth,” he added.

MacLellan moved into his current role at NBCUniversal in September 2016. He previously served as chair of NBCUniversal International since 2013.

The executive’s accomplishments include advising on NBCUniversal parent company Comcast’s Sky acquisition, securing volume licensing and production deals and launching reality SVOD hayu in 14 different countries, Shell noted in the email to staff.

“During his tenure, he turned our International Studios business into a world-class home for some of the most preeminent content creators,” he added.

From Realscreen