Bolster On Tap For Weather Channel CEO
Former CNBC chief executive Bill Bolster is close to being named CEO of The Weather Channel, according to several published reports.
Bolster served as CNBC chairman and CEO from 1996 to 2001 He retired from the network in 2003. http://www.multichannel.com/article/52704-For_the_Record.php
According to a report in The New York Times, Bolster would replace Debora Wilson, who had run the channel since 1999. Wilson left in February, shortly after the network was acquired by NBC Universal, Bain Capital and Blackstone Group from Landmark Communications for about $3.5 billion. Since then, Lisa Gersh has served as interim chief, but the president of strategic initiatives at NBC Universal was not a candidate for the permanent Weather Channel slot.
The Times reported that nothing was finalized with Bolster and the former CNBC executive could still back out of the deal. However, the newspaper reported that an official announcement could come as early as next week.
Bolster oversaw CNBC during its heyday, the stock market boom of the late 1990s. His ties to NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker reportedly go back to Zucker's days at NBC's Today show.
Officials at NBC Universal did not return calls for comment.
Weather Channel Bolsters 'Forecast Earth'
Weather Channel Hires Bankers
Network Reportedly Shopping For a Deal
Weather Channel Cos. Taps Walters as COO
NBCU In 'Exclusive' Negotiations For Weather Channel
Kelly Blows In To Weather Channel Post
Arris Names Former Weather Channel CEO Wilson To Board
Weather Channel Returns to DirecTV
New Deal Reduces Reality Shows, Pumps Up Local Weather
Outdoor Channel Hires Liberatore as CEO
Succeeds Hornish, Who Will Remain During Transitional Period