Comcast said Sunday that Chief Operating Officer Steve Burke will become chief executive of NBC Universal at the close of its deal to control the company.
Mr. Burke, 52 years old, will replace Jeff Zucker, who said on Friday that he would leave his post in the coming months.
In doing so, Comcast taps one of its most senior executives to oversee the NBC Universal assets, which include the NBC broadcast network, cable channel properties including CNBC and CNBC.com, a movie studio and theme parks.
Burke, who will remain chief operating officer of Comcast , joined the cable giant in 1998 as president of its cable operations. More recently, he has been overseeing plans to integrate the two companies.
"Steve Burke is an experienced, talented and visionary leader with over 25 years in the media and entertainment industry," said Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, in a press release. "Steve is one of the most well-respected executives in the industry and I am confident that he will lead NBCU forward to a new era of growth."
Comcast and General Electric , NBC Universal's current parent, said that Burke will work with Zucker during the transition.
The two companies said there will be no additional "structural or personnel announcements" until the deal closing process and timing is certain.
The deal between the companies was announced last fall, and is awaiting regulatory approval.