NBCU Names Hampton For Franchise Mgt.

Russell Hampton has joined NBCUniversal in the newly created role of EVP of franchise management and global consumer products for the media innovation and cross company initiatives group, which focuses on the monetization of cross-platform content and creating a digital strategy across mobile, social and the Web. He reports to Lauren Zalaznick, EVP, NBCUniversal, who leads the group. Hampton, who has spent nearly two decades in media and entertainment, was most recently president of Disney Publishing Worldwide.

“From television and movies to digital content and theme parks, NBCUniversal delivers compelling characters, stories, and experiences,” said Zalaznick. “Russell will unite our richest franchises across the portfolio and capitalize on them in the global licensing and merchandising arena.”

Hampton is charged with developing an overarching strategy around the company’s licensing and merchandising efforts, working across NBCUniversal’s portfolio, which includes film, theme parks, two broadcast networks (English and Spanish), 18 cable channels, and more than 50 digital properties. He will also identify new potential growth opportunities, such as the children and families space, where initiatives will include driving digital product and IP development.

For the past six years, Hampton was president of Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) responsible for the worldwide P&L, operations, and strategic direction for Disney’s global publishing and learning businesses. In addition, Hampton spearheaded the company’s entry into the educational market through the creation of Disney English, the award winning chain of language learning schools in China.

Hampton was EVP-GM of The Baby Einstein Co. after it was acquired by Disney in 2001. He also assumed management of The Muppets brand when it was acquired by Disney in 2004. He joined Disney in 1995 in the company’s strategic planning and corporate development division. Prior to Disney, he was at J.P. Morgan & Co.

Hampton graduated from Colgate University with bachelor’s degrees in English and economics and holds a master’s in business administration from Northwestern University.