After twenty-five years at the company, NBCUniversal vice chairman Ron Meyer has stepped down after he reportedly disclosed that he reached a private settlement with a woman who tried to extort him after they engaged in an extramarital affair.
Meyer, who is also a founder of CAA, rose to power at the studio and held onto it for far longer than most thanks to deep relationships with major talent. In a statement, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell said Meyer had behaved: “in a manner which we believe is not consistent with our company policies or values.”
Meyer is also leaving his role as the chair of the Film Academy Museum’s board, a role he’s held since 2017. Netflix co-CEO and Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos, the museum’s vice-chair of the board, will step in as acting chair.
It has also been reported that the woman whom Meyer had a consensual affair with was British actress Charlotte Kirk. Kirk was reportedly involved with former Warner Bros. Pictures chief Kevin Tsujihara who left his high-level post at Warners last year reportedly as a result of being involved with her.
It is unclear if Meyer will be replaced at NBCUniversal which is in the midst of a sprawling corporate overhaul to streamline its business and push its new Peacock streaming service. This also follows NBC Entertainment chairman Paul Telegdy being pushed out amid allegations of professional misconduct including racist, sexist and homophobic behavior.
Source: Deadline
