NBCUniversal Hires Gibs for Digital Focus

US media and entertainment company NBCUniversal has appointed former Nielsen exec Jonathan Gibs for the new position of Head of Digital Research, within its Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media division (E&DN/IM).

NBCUniversal is the owner and operator of TV networks and cable channels, motion picture companies, TV production firms and theme parks. Gibs joins with a background in market and media research, specializing in online and cross-media methodology, design and development.

He began working for Nielsen NetRatings in 2004 as Research Director, Primary Research and Media Analytics, leading a team of analysts to develop and execute custom market research projects for major online media companies. While at the firm, Gibs also served as SVP Analytics and Insight, and managed the US-based Online division. Earlier in his career, he co-founded TheInfoPro (TIP), and was an Analyst and Analytics Director at Jupiter Research.

In his new role, Gibs will focus on consumer insight to guide for content and audience development, and on evolving the value of the group's digital properties for its marketing partners.

He reports to Nick Lehman, President of Digital for E&DN/IM and to Tony Cardinale, the division's EVP, Brand Planning and Strategic Insights.

Cardinale comments: 'Knowing our audience inside and out is critical to the success of our business, and this is particularly true in the digital marketplace where consumer behaviors are changing with the rapid advances in technology and social media. John's extensive research experience with a wide range of digital platforms will be a tremendous asset as we move forward.'

Web site: www.nbcuni.com .