NBCUniversal’s latest move in its top executive ranks has caught some media watchers by surprise. Multichannel News reports that the company today named Univision President Cesar Conde as executive vice president.

Conde has been president of Spanish-language network Univision since 2009.

"In the newly created position, Conde will focus on business development, strategic priorities and special business projects for NBCUniversal, reporting directly to company CEO Steve Burke, said company officials. Conde, who will serve as a member of the NBCUniversal Executive Committee, will also oversee the International Group led by newly appointed chairman Kevin MacLellan," the story reports.

Under Conde’s leadership, "Univision drew record ratings, and this past July finished as the most watched television network among the advertiser coveted 18-49 demo," the report notes. "Prior to Univision, Conde served as the White House Fellow for Secretary of State Colin L. Powell from 2002–2003."

Said NBCUniversal head man Burke: “Cesar is an impressive business executive with both traditional and emerging media expertise. His experience leading multiple domestic and international businesses will be instrumental in maximizing all the opportunities to grow our portfolio."

Univision also announced a number of executive moves today, as we are reporting separately.

Cesar Conde