NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell is out over what investigators called an “inappropriate relationship” with an unnamed woman within the company.
Comcast, NBC’s parent company, released a statement detailing the change on Sunday. According to that statement, which was published Sunday by Business Wire, Shell’s exit is to be effective immediately.
“Comcast today announced that the Company and Jeff Shell, Chief Executive Officer of NBCUniversal, have mutually agreed that Mr. Shell will depart effective immediately following the Company’s investigation led by outside counsel into a complaint of inappropriate conduct,” Business Wire reported.
Shell offered a concurrent statement of his own, admitting to the relationship and saying, “Today is my last day as CEO of NBCUniversal. I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret. I’m truly sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down, they are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them the last 19 years has been a privilege.”
According to a report from CNBC, Shell’s team will report directly to Comcast president Mike Cavanagh — but there are no reports suggesting who might be on tap to replace the exiting chief executive.
Cavanagh released a joint statement with Comcast CEO Brian Roberts on the new development, addressing the importance of being able to trust leaders in the workplace to lead with their personal behavior as well.
“We are disappointed to share this news with you. We built this company on a culture of integrity. Nothing is more important than how we treat each other. You should count on your leaders to create a safe and respectful workplace. When our principles and policies are violated, we will always move quickly to take appropriate action, as we have done here,” the statement read.
Comcast also revealed that the investigation that led to Shell’s departure had been conducted by outside counsel following a complaint.