NEW YORK--20 November 2008-- The Peacock Equity Fund, the joint venture between GE Capital's Media, Communications & Entertainment finance business and NBC Universal, today announced that Ben Silverman has joined the fund's Board of Directors. Silverman, the Co-Chairman of NBC Entertainment and NBC Universal Television Studio, brings his experience in media, production, and advertising to help identify media investment opportunities for the $250 million fund, which has offices in New York, London, and Singapore.
"We are extremely excited to have Ben join the Peacock board," said Michael Chen, President & CEO of GE Capital's Media, Communications & Entertainment business, and a Peacock board member. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and contacts in the media and entertainment space and a great track record that will help the Peacock Fund uncover the best investment opportunities."
"Peacock Equity has been incredibly successful and I'm honored to join the board," said Silverman. "Entrepreneurs can utilize not only the traditional dynamics of this fund but also access the involvement of exceptional business units and leaders."
Silverman is an entrepreneur turned executive, having built an independent production and distribution company, Reveille. He is the executive producer of the Emmy-winning NBC comedy "The Office" and is co-creator and executive producer of the hit reality show "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. Additionally, he is an executive producer of the critically acclaimed "The Tudors" for Showtime.
In addition to Silverman and Chen, the Peacock Equity board consists of:
Lynn Calpeter -- CFO, NBC Universal
John Eck -- President, NBC TV Network & Media Works
George Kliavkoff -- Chief Digital Officer, NBC Universal
Salil Mehta -- President, NBCU Business Operations Strategy & Development
Tom Byrne -- Managing Director & Group Head, Peacock Equity Fund
Jim Ungari -- Chief Risk Officer
Patrick Kocsi -- Managing Director
About Peacock Equity:
Peacock Equity is a $250 million global capital fund co-founded by GE Capital's Media, Communications & Entertainment business and NBC Universal. Introduced in April 2007, the joint venture focuses on companies developing technologies, platforms or business models that are a strategic fit to NBC Universal and have high growth potential. Peacock Equity's capital investments include advertising services, digital content and communities, and wireless and international platforms. www.PeacockEquity.com
About GE Capital -- Media, Communications & Entertainment:
With nearly $10 billion in assets and offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, Norwalk (HQ) and Singapore, the Media, Communications & Entertainment business is a global strategic partner to these industries and the technologies that enable them. We bring GE's full resources and financial strength to each relationship, while delivering industry expertise and flexible financing solutions that maximize stakeholder value. For more information, visit www.geMCE.com
Ned Reynolds
GE Capital
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