HBO CEO Bill Nelson announces retirement

MUMBAI: US broadcaster HBO CEO Bill Nelson will step down at the end of the year.

Under the new management structure, Eric Kessler will serve as president, COO and Michael Lombardo will serve as president, programming, and both will report to Richard Plepler, who will become the CEO.

Time Warner chairman, CEO Jeff Bewkes said,"Bill and I have worked together for many, many years and though I?m sad to see him leave, I respect his decision to enjoy retirement. He is a world-class CEO and leaves the company well-positioned for the future. The company will not miss a step with the new team, which has the combination of talent and experience to drive HBO to new heights of creative excellence, innovation, and financial performance. Richard and Eric are twenty-plus year veterans of the company who, as Co-Presidents, helped HBO re-establish its pre-eminence over the past five years, and Mike Lombardo has done an exceptional job in developing the best slate in HBO?s history."

Nelson said, "HBO has been my home for almost 30 years so this decision was an emotional one. With my elevation to CEO more than five years ago, we set an ambitious agenda for HBO, and I?m proud to say that I feel the company has never been in better shape financially or creatively. I feel very comfortable in taking this step now because I know HBO will continue in its tradition of innovation and acclaimed programming and retain its superior position in our industry in the hands of Richard, Eric, Mike and the entire team."