Universal Pictures said Tuesday that Jessica Schell has been appointed executive vice president of business development and strategic planning.
Schell started in her role just after Labor Day, reporting to vice chairman and chief operating officer Rick Finkelstein. She was most recently senior vice president, digital strategy and business development for NBC Universal.
Schell replaces Michael Joe who left the studio in May to become president of Relativity Media.
Before joining the company, Schell was a vice president with Allen & Company and was a senior analyst at Disney.
"She’s an accomplished executive with a keen understanding of our business challenges and opportunities and we’re thrilled to have her," said Finkelstein in a release.
