MUMBAI: US-based NBC Broadcasting chief Ted Herbert is stepping down from his role as the chairman after 40 years in the industry. Herbert was key adviser to NBCUniversal chief Steve Burke. He saw a wide swath of territory including local advertising sales, the network’s owned television stations, affiliate relations and distribution of NBC-owned content.

He was in the position since 2011 when Comcast Corp. completed its acquisition of NBCUniversal. Prior to that, he ran the E! cable network for Comcast.

With this exit, Burke plans to restructure the executive suites at the network. NBC Sports Group chairman Mark Lazarus will take on Harbert’s title to become chairman of NBC Broadcasting and Sports. He will oversee affiliate relations, advertising and the owned-TV stations. Harbert other duties will be spread to other execs

The syndication business will be overseen jointly by senior entertainment executives George Cheeks and Paul Telegdy.

NBCUniversal Global Distribution chairman Kevin MacLellan will add domestic and new media distribution of NBC content to his responsibilities. Maggie McLean Suniewick has been named president of digital enterprises, which is a unit focusing on strategy and development in the digital space.