Jeff Wachtel, who has been the chief content officer for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment and head of Universal Cable Productions since 2013, has been tapped to serve as president of NBCUniversal International Studios.

The new appointment will see Wachtel relocate to London in summer 2018; he will be based in Los Angeles in the interim. Wachtel’s new role will switch his focus to international and global productions. He will manage all aspects of TV development, production, formats and strategic content partnerships for NBCUniversal International Studios.

Wachtel currently serves as chief content officer at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, where he has been responsible for the development and production of content for the company’s cable portfolio. He also serves as president of two studios: Universal Cable Productions and Wilshire Studios. He has been reporting to Bonnie Hammer, the chairman of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment and Cable Studios. Previously, Wachtel served as co-president of USA Network and, prior to that, president of original programming.

“The ability to produce for a local and a global audience is key to the future success of any major production company,” said Kevin MacLellan, NBCUniversal’s chairman of global distribution and international, to whom he reports, effective from January. “Jeff is one of the few creative executives in the business who has proven time and again that he can deliver shows that work on both planes. Working with him closely over the years, my team and I have always found him to be incredibly collaborative and sensitive to what works best for our international audiences.”

Wachtel added: “I’m going from one dream job to another. Nothing can top my experience helping to grow USA and then UCP into hugely successful enterprises. And I have been lucky to benefit from Bonnie’s leadership and my wonderful relationship with the incredible NBCU teams. The only thing that could be more exciting is the adventure of moving to London and working with our great international folks to help take that business to the next level.”

“Jeff has a unique blend of great creative instincts and business savvy,” said Hammer. “It’s the reason he has one of the most impressive track records in the business and I know he’ll continue to work his magic at our International Studios.”