NBCU post-merger executive ranks disclosed

The post-merger executive ranks at NBC Universal Inc. will include a mix of NBCU, Comcast Corp. and other executives, with Showtime's Robert Greenblatt heading the salvage operation of NBC's prime-time and late-night shows, according to an internal memo circulated today to NBCU employees.

Two current NBCU executives retain key posts, according to the long-awaited memo, various parts of which had leaked out in Hollywood in the last few weeks.

Bonnie Hammer was named chairman of the cable operations and Lauren Zalaznick was appointed chairman of the Universal movie studio and Internet businesses.

Longtime NBC sports executive Dick Ebersol will become chairman of the NBC Sports Group and include oversight of Philadelphia-based Comcast regional sports businesses.

Ted Harbert, a Comcast executive, becomes chairman of NBC Broadcasting, and Jeff Shell, a Comcast entertainment executive in Philadelphia, will move to London as chairman of NBC Universal International, a new post.

The government appears to be in the final stages of reviewing Comcast's proposed deal to acquire a controlling interest in NBCU. The Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission have to sign off. Most experts believe that they will, but may impose conditions that limit Comcast's market power in the cable-TV or online video businesses.

Comcast has said it would like the deal to close by year-end.

"We are beginning our leadership announcements now because with the anticipated close of the deal nearing, we want to give everyone enough time to begin to think about the specific opportunities and challenges they will face beginning the day of the close," Comcast executive Steve Burke said in the memo.

Jeff Zucker, the current head of NBCU, has said he would step down after the deal closes.