Longtime NBCUniversal Ad Exec Laura Molen Sets 2023 Exit

Laura Molen, who rose to president of ad sales at NBCUniversal over a decade, has announced plans to leave the company early next year.

Longtime associate director of advertising and client partnerships Linda Yaccarino will stay on until the end of Q1 2023 to assist with the transition. There was no immediate word on how NBCU plans to handle the exit in its management structure, and Molen did not announce any specific plans for her next career chapter. Yaccarino shared the news with employees in a memo celebrating and thanking Molen, and Molen also sent her own note about the move.

“I have known and admired Laura for more than two decades – as a leader, colleague and friend – and am grateful for her passion and collaboration,” Yaccarino wrote. “She has been a fierce advocate for her team, her partners and the wider industry – and together we have achieved so much.”

Initiatives in which Molen has played a key role include the launch of Peacock, NBCU’s consistently ambitious coverage of the Olympics, and the company’s One Platform effort. Prior to joining NBCU, Molen held leadership positions at Univision and MTV Networks.

“It wasn’t an easy decision for me – but once I made my decision, I feel very confident (and excited),” Molen wrote. “The past few years have been a big change for all of us personally and professionally. While I love NBCUniversal and this team, it’s time for me to reprioritize my focus, spend more time with family, and fully embrace my myriad passions.