NBC’s Jennifer Salke Named Head of Amazon Studios

NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke will be leaving the company to head up Amazon Studios, the company announced Friday.

“I’m incredibly excited about the future at Amazon Studios,” the exec said in a statement. “In the studio’s relatively short existence they have innovated, disrupted, and created characters that are already an indelible part of pop-culture. I am both honored and emboldened by the opportunity to lead this extraordinary business. Of course, this is also bittersweet for me. NBC has been an amazing home – creatively, professionally and personally – and I leave there knowing that the work we did had groundbreaking impact. It’s an exciting time to be a content creator, and I look forward to being on the front lines of an innovative business with storytelling at its heart.”

Salke takes over the position of Head of Amazon Studios from Roy Price, who exited following allegations of sexual harassment.

Amazon Studios COO Albert Cheng, who has served as interim studio head since Price’s exit, will report to Salke.

The company focused on female executives to take over Price’s role and Salke emerged as a frontrunner, along with A+E Networks president and CEO Nancy Dubuc and Fox TV boss Dana Walden.

A replacement for Salke at NBC will be announced shortly, and the exec is expected to stay at the company to help the transition.

 Linda Ge | TV Editor