NBCU Appoints New CP Exec

NBCUniversal has appointed former Disney Publishing president Russell Hampton to the newly created position of executive vice president of franchise management and global consumer products in its Media Innovation and Cross Company Initiatives group.

The group focuses on the monetization of cross-platform content, building a digital strategy across mobile, social and the web, and Hampton will lead that charge.

In his new role, he will develop an overarching strategy around the company’s licensing efforts, working across the entirety of NBCUniversal's portfolio, which includes film, theme parks, broadcast networks, cable channels and 50-plus digital properties.

Hampton will work to capitalize on new potential growth opportunities, such as the kids and families space, where initiatives will include driving digital product and IP development. ? 

“From television and movies to digital content and theme parks, NBCUniversal delivers compelling characters, stories, and experiences,” says Lauren Zalaznick, executive vice president, NBCUniversal, and head of the Media Innovation and Cross Company Initiatives group. “Russell will unite our richest franchises across the portfolio and capitalize on them in the global licensing and merchandising arena."

For the past six years, Hampton was president of Disney Publishing Worldwide where he led DPW’s evolution into digital publishing, making it the No. 1 children’s publisher in the new media arena.

Hampton has worked for Disney since 1995 where he held senior positions with The Baby Einstein Company and The Muppets brand.