Time Warner named Bill Nelson chairman and CEO of Home Box Office. He had been chief operating officer of the pay cable network.
He succeeds Chris Albrecht, who resigned after being arrested in Las Vegas after an altercation with his girlfriend.
Mr. Nelson will be joined by three co-presidents: Harold Akselrad, who will manage legal and business affairs, film acquisition and HBO’s technology groups while continuing as general counsel; Eric Kessler, who will oversee marketing and worldwide distribution of HBO networks and content; and Richard Plepler, who will be responsible for HBO’s programming and corporate communications.
Michael Lombardo was promoted to president of the programming group and West Coast operations. Previously executive VP, business affairs, production and programming, Mr. Lombardo will report to Mr. Plepler.
Also reporting to Mr. Lombardo will be Colin Callender, president of HBO Films; Ross Greenburg, president of HBO Sports; Sheila Nevins, president, HBO Documentaries & Family, and Carolyn Strauss, president, HBO Entertainment.
With “The Sopranos” about to end its run, and no real replacement for other hits including “Sex and the City,” some critics opined that HBO needed new blood in its management. But the decision to go with insiders suggests Time Warner brass thinks the company is running just fine. HBO is the most profitable channel in cable, netting in more than $1 billion a year.
“I’ve worked with Bill, Hal, Eric and Richard for many years, and there’s not a more skilled, cohesive or widely respected group of executives in the entertainment industry,” said Jeff Bewkes, who ran HBO before becoming Time Warner’s president and chief operating officer. “I’m looking forward to working with them to ensure that HBO continues to produce the kind of groundbreaking and award-winning entertainment that has become its hallmark.”
(Editor: Horowitz)