Anna Perez, who has imposing Hollywood and Washington connections, was named executive VP of communications for NBC in a surprise move last week.
NBC, which will increase in size with its pending merger with Vivendi Universal, announced Thursday that Ms. Perez will join the company May 1.

Ms. Perez, 52, recently ended a two-year stint at the White House, where she worked with National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice as head of her office of media, communications and speech writing.
She replaces Patricia Steele, who left Sony Music in September 2002 to take the top NBC communications job and who will work on Ms. Perez’ transition before considering options inside and outside NBC.
From 1998 to 2001, Ms. Perez was general manager of corporate communication at Chevron Corp. Previously, she was VP for California government relations at The Walt Disney Co. and head of media relations at Creative Artists Agency.
“Anna Perez is a most accomplished communications professional,” said Bob Wright, GE vice chairman and NBC chairman and CEO, in making the announcement. “Her passion for excellence and her strategic capabilities have earned her the respect of her colleagues in government, business and the media. She knows our business and the environment we compete in every day. We’re thrilled to have her leading our talented communications team.”
Areas reporting to her will include media relations, executive communications, internal communications, corporate philanthropy and community relations.
“There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join NBC, as it prepares to become one of the world’s largest and most dynamic media companies,” Ms. Perez said. “I am honored to be joining such an experienced management team and look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”