NBC Universal said Friday Cory Shields is returning to the media giant as executive VP of communications, replacing Anna Perez, who is leaving the company.

Mr. Shields will join NBCU on June 5, reporting to Beth Comstock, president of digital media and market development. He will be responsible for the company’s overall media and communications strategy, managing all facets of media relations, executive communications, internal communications, corporate philanthropy and community relations.

“We’re pleased to welcome Cory back to NBC Universal,” Ms. Comstock said. “He is a seasoned communicator who is well-versed in media industry issues. Given his previous tenure at NBC, he is familiar with our culture and well-regarded by key leaders.”

Said Mr. Shields: “This is a tremendous opportunity for me to return to NBC Universal, my professional home for a number of years, and to work alongside some of the most talented executives and communicators in the industry.”

The company offered no reason for Ms. Perez’s departure after two years in the position.

Mr. Shields is rejoining NBCU from Sony BMG Music Entertainment, where he served as senior VP of corporate communications since March 2005. Before that, Mr. Shields was executive VP and chief communications officer at advertising agency J. Walter Thompson.

Before joining J. Walter Thompson, Mr. Shields spent seven years at NBC, most recently as senior VP of corporate communications. He joined the network in 1997 as director of NBC News media relations before moving on to MSNBC and then to NBC’s corporate communications department as a VP.