NBCUniversal has named Christopher Halpin as its chief financial officer, as the media company prepares to separate from parent Comcast within the next year. Halpin, who previously served as chief operating officer and CFO of People Inc., will report to Comcast co-CEO Mike Cavanagh, who is set to take over as CEO of NBCUniversal after the spin-off. He is scheduled to assume the role on September 8.
The appointment marks an early step in NBCUniversal’s transition to an independent company. Halpin brings experience from his tenure at People Inc., where he oversaw financial and operational strategy. Cavanagh, currently co-CEO of Comcast, will lead the spun-off entity.
Comcast announced plans earlier this year to separate its cable networks and entertainment properties, including NBCUniversal, into a standalone publicly traded company. The spin-off is expected to be completed within 12 months. Halpin’s hiring signals the organization’s focus on building a leadership team ahead of the separation.