Jeff Wachtel is moving on up — and over. The NBCUniversal Cable executive and producer has been named president of NBCUniversal International Studios, meaning that he will relocate from Los Angeles to London next summer to take on the new role.
Wachtel is a longtime NBCUniversal vet, who has acted as chief content officer for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment and head of Universal Cable Productions since 2013. Upon his arrival in London, Wachtel will manage all aspects of television development, production, formats, and strategic content partnerships for NBCU International, including overseeing U.K.’s Carnival Films (“Downton Abbey”), Working Title Television, Monkey Kingdom and David Heyman’s Heyday TV.
Wachtel, who replaces Michael Edelstein after a seven-year run in the post, will work under Kevin MacLellan, NBCUniversal’s chairman of global distribution and international.
“The ability to produce for a local and a global audience is key to the future success of any major production company,” MacLellan said in a press release. “Jeff is one of the few creative executives in the business who has proven time and again that he can deliver shows that work on both planes. Working with him closely over the years, my team and I have always found him to be incredibly collaborative and sensitive to what works best for our international audiences.”
“I’m going from one dream job to another,” Wachtel added. “Nothing can top my experience helping to grow USA and then UCP into hugely successful enterprises. And I have been lucky to benefit from Bonnie’s leadership and my wonderful relationship with the incredible NBCU teams. The only thing that could be more exciting is the adventure of moving to London and working with our great international folks to help take that business to the next level.”