NBC Ups Business Affairs Execs Masami Yamamoto & Lee Straus
Veteran NBC execs Masami Yamamoto and Lee Straus are taking on expanded roles in the network’s scripted and alternative businesses, respectively.
Yamamoto has been promoted to EVP Business Affairs, Scripted Programming for NBC Entertainment & Universal Television; Straus has been elevated to EVP, Business Affairs, Alternative/Reality and Specials Programming for NBC Entertainment & Universal Television Alternative Studio. Both have been part of NBC’s legal or business affairs departments since 2000 and will continue to report to George Cheeks, who was recently promoted to President of Business Operations and Late-Night Programming for NBC Entertainment.
Yamamoto has been responsible for all aspects of business affairs for all scripted programming and specials airing on the network, including This is Us, Timeless, The Blacklist, the Golden Globe Awards and the rights deal for Hairspray Live!. Straus has overseen all aspects of business affairs in connection with the development and production of all non-scripted programming ordered to production, including Emmy-winning The Voice, Emmy-nominated American Ninja Warrior, The New Celebrity Apprentice, America’s Got Talent and the new Jennifer Lopez dance competition series World of Dance.
“Masami and Lee are exceptionally intelligent and strategic business affairs executives,” said Cheeks. “Under their strong leadership, NBC Entertainment and Universal Television will be best equipped to navigate the business challenges in an increasingly complex and ever-evolving landscape.”
Yamamoto, who has more than 15 years of experience in the television industry, most recently served as SVP, Business Affairs for NBC Entertainment. Straus, with more than 25 years of experience in the film and television industry, most recently served as SVP, Business Affairs for NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Alternative Studio.
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