Media and entertainment company NBCUniversal has appointed Melanie Laithwaite to the newly-created role of chief legal and HR officer at NBCUniversal International.
Laithwaite will be responsible for leading both the HR and legal groups for the international business, and building greater collaboration between NBCUniversal divisions in 36 territories around the world.
She moves across to NBCUniversal International from her former role as executive vice president, business affairs and business operations at Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE). While at UPIE, Laithwaite steered the transition of the group into a global home entertainment division. She also oversaw UPIE’s agreement with Paramount to distribute its home entertainment products internationally.
Laithwaite began her career at media law firm DJ Freeman (now part of Olswang) as a solicitor in the media department. After joining UPIE in 2001 she went on to hold senior positions within the Home Entertainment division, including senior vice president of legal, HR and business affairs.
“It is an exciting time to be part of the NBCUniversal family, and I am delighted to head up the international HR and legal functions in order to support the future growth of the NBCUniversal International business,” said Laithwaite.
She will report to Kevin MacLellan, president at NBCUniversal International, Pat Langer, executive vice president of HR at NBCUniversal, and Kim Harris, executive vice president and general counsel for NBCUniversal.
