NBCUniversal is an Industry Stand-Out at Advertising Week New York 2024 and Beyond
NBCUniversal demonstrated how the company has transformed television advertising into a full funnel performance vehicle for marketers, through its commitment to culture and empowerment, the power of live event content, and best-in-class technology for marketers of all sizes.
October 11, 2024
NBCUniversal's Commitment to Culture and Empowerment
NBCUniversal reinforced its commitment to culture and empowerment throughout Advertising Week and beyond.
On Monday, the company launched a new content collection, ExcellencE! on Peacock focused on diverse-led, inclusive storytelling in partnership with Group Black. The announcement was followed by a mainstage discussion at Advertising Week NY: “Building Content for a Diverse World: How EXCELLENCE! is Transforming the Streaming Landscape,” featuring Val Boreland, EVP, Content Acquisitions for NBCUniversal Entertainment, Peacock Original Bel-Air's Cassandra Freeman, and Bonin Bough, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Group Black.
At The Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge, Karen Kovacs, President, Advertising & Partnerships, NBCUniversal, Mónica Gil, EVP, Chief Administrative and Marketing Officer, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises and Bonnie Hammer, Vice Chair, NBCUniversal shared their experiences at the intersection of media, advertising and marketing.
Mónica participated in a conversation with leading CMOs on the importance of brands cultivating deep-rooted connections with culture to resonate with consumers and drive lasting impact. She emphasized the necessity of reaching growing Hispanic audiences authentically through personalized marketing and data.
Karen spoke to the unique perspective that women bring to the table in shaping the future of brand-consumer relationships. As a “Woman Charting the Future of Advertising,” she explained how NBCUniversal is balancing data and technology with the need to create emotionally resonant, human-centered advertising.
Bonnie discussed her book, 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work...and the Truth We Need to Succeed, and debunked the leadership myths told to women in a fireside chat aiming to propel female leaders across the advertising industry.
In Los Angeles, NBCUniversal hosted the ANA AIMM Member Meeting with key industry leaders, starting with welcome remarks from Jeff Meyerson, EVP, Scripted Content, NBCUniversal. During the event, Carla Kelly, SVP, Client Partnerships, Advertising & Partnerships, NBCUniversal was honored with the AIMM Trailblazer Award for her contributions to advancing inclusive and multicultural marketing.
Carla also joined a powerhouse conversation on “The Power of LIVE in Reaching Multicultural Audiences at Scale” alongside Joaquin Duro, EVP of Sports, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, Jeanne Mau, EVP, TV Programming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, NBCUniversal, and Greg Lee, VP, Entertainment Live Events & Specials, NBCUniversal. The day included special appearances from NBCUniversal talent and a renowned filmmaker, highlighting how diversity shapes blockbuster entertainment.
Driving Connection Through Live Moments and Premium IP
In addition to demonstrating its commitment to culture and empowerment, NBCUniversal brought the power of live to life throughout the week, with a focus on the SNL 50 marketing & advertising experience.
Saturday Night Live’s 50th Season shined bright with the announcement of Capital One as the fifth presenting sponsor of the historic season, as well a panel featuring Mark Marshall, Chairman, Global Advertising & Partnerships, NBCUniversal and presenting sponsors including Allstate, L’Oréal, T-Mobile, and Volkswagen of America. Hosted by Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist and Morning Joe’s Willie Geist, the conversation covered the transformation of brand sponsorship, and how to authentically align marketing messages with iconic IP. Marshall positioned SNL as the epitome of live programming, while the 50th season sponsors gave attendees a sneak-peek at how they are connecting with their consumers through the lens of comedy and culture.
Additionally, Josh Feldman, CMO, NBCUniversal Advertising and Partnerships and Jamie Cutburth, EVP, Creative Partnerships, NBCUniversal Advertising and Partnerships discussed the intersection of live event content, data & insights, and creative marketing.
In a fireside chat with Sophie Mackie, Advertising Week’s Global Head of Sales, Josh dove into the impact of this summer’s Paris Olympic Games, and what’s to come from NBCUniversal in 2026 and beyond. And at the Variety Studio Presented by Canva, Jamie sat down with Canva’s Frank Cortese to discuss NBCUniversal’s strategy behind integrated brand partnerships, and how they make a genuine impact on audiences by tapping into culturally relevant live moments to drive advertiser effectiveness.
Jenny Storms, CMO, Entertainment and Sports, NBCUniversal also participated in a Variety Studio session detailing the value of utilizing the Olympics to promote all of NBCUniversal’s properties, while also highlighting this past Paris Summer Games as truly innovative programming.
Plus, America’s Got Talent’s Terry Crews and TODAY’s Al Roker shared their perspectives on authentically building lasting connections with brands and audiences.
Best-In-Class Technology For Brands of All Sizes
With some of the most incredible IP in the marketplace, NBCUniversal spotlighted how it is leveraging best-in-class data and technology combined with its premium content to drive media effectiveness for brands of every size, in every category.
At the 13th Annual CIMM Summit, Alison Levin, President, Advertising & Partnerships, NBCUniversal participated in a fireside chat, sharing her insight on the future of content consumption, streaming, and monetization.
Plus, at Advertising Week New York, Jules Strachman, VP, Device Partner Marketing, Peacock, NBCUniversal participated in a panel discussion, “Understanding the Gateway Ad and How Data Has Evolved,” which examined strategies that help overcome the "walled garden" approach and unlock new opportunities in the advertising ecosystem.
To close out the incredible week, Ryan McConville, EVP, Ad Platforms & Operations, NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships took on the Marketplace Stage with brand, agency and ad tech executives, where they explored how the industry is innovating together to further optimize campaign performance and deliver a more personalized ad experience that fuels brand effectiveness at scale.
