Jeff Wachtel Named NBCUniversal International Studios President

NBCUniversal has named Jeff Wachtel as its International Studios President.

Wachtel, who will relocate to London from Los Angeles next summer, will focus on international and global productions in his new position, managing all aspects of television development, production, formats and strategic content partnerships for NBCUniversal International Studios, according to the company.

Wachtel most recently served as chief content officer for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment as well as president of Universal Cable Productions and Wilshire Studios. 

“The ability to produce for a local and a global audience is key to the future success of any major production company. Jeff is one of the few creative executives in the business who has proven time and again that he can deliver shows that work on both planes,” said Kevin MacLellan, chairman, global distribution & international, to whom Wachtel will report beginning in January.

Added Wachtel: “I’m going from one dream job to another. Nothing can top my experience helping to grow USA and then UCP into hugely successful enterprises. The only thing that could be more exciting is the adventure of moving to London and working with our great international folks to help take that business to the next level.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.