Comcast Chief Brian Roberts Skirts Jeff Shell Ouster on Q1 Earnings Call: ‘Obviously a Tough Moment’

variety.com:

Jennifer Maas TV Business Writer Top Comcast execs made their first public comments on the departure of NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell Thursday, remarks that came as the company reported its Q1 earnings results.

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts opened a call with investors by saying Shell’s exit due to “inappropriate relationship” with a subordinate was “obviously a tough moment” adding, “we are so fortunate to have a fabulous and tenured leadership team at NBCUniversal.” “When you go down the list, you’ll see many of them have been leading their divisions within the company for at least 10 years and are the best in the business,” Roberts said. “We are also lucky to have Mike Cavanagh stepped in to help NBCUniversal while also remaining president.” Roberts also said that, moving forward Comcast president Mike Cavanagh (who has taken over Shell’s responsibilities for the time being) and CFO Jason Armstrong will lead the earnings calls.

Shell was forced out as CEO of NBCUniversal Sunday after an internal investigation into his relationship with Hadley Gamble, an overseas correspondent for CNBC. Click here to sign up for Variety’s free Strictly Business newsletter covering earnings, financial news and more. In a securities filing on Monday, Comcast said that the company received a complaint of “inappropriate conduct,” including sexual harassment.

During the investigation, “evidence was uncovered that corroborated the allegations,” leading to Shell’s termination “with cause.” Gamble is based in Abu Dhabi, where she anchors the “Capital Connection” broadcast.