Entertainment
- Cory Shields, former executive VP of communications at NBCUniversal, is now VP of PR for the Amazon Studios and Original Video teams, Business Insider has learned.
- Shields spent roughly 20 years at NBCUniversal and was once called ex-CEO Jeff Zucker's "right-hand man," according to Variety.
- Shields's hiring comes at a time when Amazon's entertainment group needs a high-profile representative, as competition in the space is intensifying this year.
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Amazon has tapped a long-time NBCUniversal executive, who previously worked closely with ex-CEO Jeff Zucker, to lead PR for its video streaming and entertainment group.
Cory Shields, former executive VP of communications at NBC Universal, is now VP of PR for the Amazon Studios and Original Video teams, Business Insider has learned. He reports up to Jay Carney, Amazon's press and public policy chief. Tamara Golihew, who leads PR for Amazon Studios, and Vicky Eguia, the head of Amazon Original Movies, are now under Shields.
Shields joined Amazon earlier this year, Amazon's spokesperson confirmed in an email to Business Insider. Shields's name still appears on NBCUniversal's media contact page, suggesting the move was recent.
Shields adds a much needed high-profile representative to Amazon's video streaming team. His position has been empty for over a year, following the departure of former lead Craig Berman in late 2018, forcing Carney to handle most of the work. Jeff Blackburn, the executive who oversees Amazon's entertainment business, is currently on a one-year sabbatical, while some investors are starting to question Amazon's investment in the space.
Shields's hiring comes at an important time for Amazon's streaming business. This year is shaping up to be the most competitive yet for the industry with Disney, Apple, and NBCUniversal all investing heavily in their own video-streaming app. HBO and Netflix are also doubling down on their offerings. Meanwhile, Amazon's entertainment team, which lost former Studios boss Roy Price in 2017 following a sexual misconduct case, has been grappling with a series of executive departures and planning issues, according to The Information.
Shields has spent roughly 20 years at NBCUniversal, mostly leading the company's overall media and communications strategy. He used to report to Bonnie Hammer, when she was the chairman of NBCU's cable entertainment group, and was once considered ex-CEO Zucker's top lieutenant and "right-hand man," according to Variety.
Shields is the latest high-profile addition to Amazon's corporate communications and public policy team. His boss Carney was previously President Obama's White House press secretary. Susan Pointer, who leads Amazon's international policy team, spent over 10 years at Google in a similar role, while Michael Punke, AWS's VP of global public policy, was once the US ambassador to the World Trade Organization.
