NBCUniversal has announced the promotion of Jeanne Mau to the position of Executive Vice President of TV Programming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In her new role, Mau will continue to lead the company’s efforts to enhance inclusion across its entertainment television portfolio, which falls under the NBCU Launch sector.
Mau’s responsibilities will encompass the development of DEI initiatives for NBCUniversal’s various broadcast and cable entertainment networks. This includes well-known channels such as NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen True Crime, SYFY, USA Network, and Universal Kids, as well as the streaming service Peacock. Additionally, she will oversee four television studios: Universal Television, UCP, Universal Television Alternative Studio, and Universal International Studios. Mau will maintain her reporting line to Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Universal Studio Group, and Frances Berwick, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment.
In a joint statement, Igbokwe and Berwick praised Mau’s contributions over the past three years, noting that she has significantly expanded and elevated the company’s inclusion efforts in television. They highlighted her ability to introduce new voices both in front of and behind the camera, establishing herself as an invaluable resource for showrunners and internal creative teams. They reaffirmed their commitment to DEI principles and expressed confidence that Mau will continue to play a critical role in producing compelling content that resonates with global audiences.
Before her promotion, Mau joined NBCUniversal in 2021 as Senior Vice President of TV Programming, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in the creation of the NBCU Launch brand, which consolidates the company’s inclusion efforts across its entertainment networks and studios. Mau has also revamped several talent development programs, including those focused on writers and episodic directors. Notably, she spearheaded the launch of NBCUniversal’s first major inclusion initiatives for unscripted programming, such as the NBCU Launch Unscripted Producers Initiative and the NBCU Launch Unscripted Pitch Accelerator.
The Unscripted Producers Initiative has already seen success, with 33 qualified mid-level producers participating and subsequently contributing to 26 NBCU unscripted series. Mau has also established partnerships with various non-profit organizations and advocacy groups to enhance inclusivity in productions and raise awareness among cultural tastemakers. One such partnership is with Black Beauty Roster, which provides educational training for NBCUniversal’s creative executives on the specific needs of actors with textured hair and darker skin tones.
In addition to her role at NBCUniversal, Mau serves as an advisory board member for the Alliance of Women Directors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for women and nonbinary directors in the film, television, advertising, and new media sectors.
Mau’s promotion comes at a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are under increased scrutiny across various industries, including entertainment. The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down the use of racial preferences in college admissions has raised concerns about the future of DEI efforts. While the ruling primarily affects higher education, it has sparked discussions about potential challenges to diversity initiatives in the private sector, including Hollywood.
Despite these challenges, NBCUniversal remains committed to its DEI goals, and Mau’s leadership will be crucial in navigating this evolving landscape. Her extensive experience and dedication to fostering an inclusive environment will help ensure that NBCUniversal continues to produce content that reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences of its audiences.
As the entertainment industry grapples with the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, Mau’s role will be vital in reinforcing the importance of diversity and inclusion in storytelling. By championing new voices and perspectives, she aims to create a more equitable and representative media landscape.
Mau’s promotion is not just a recognition of her past achievements but also a testament to NBCUniversal’s commitment to fostering an inclusive culture within the organization. As she steps into her new role, the company looks forward to the continued growth and evolution of its DEI initiatives under her guidance.
In conclusion, Jeanne Mau’s promotion to EVP of TV Programming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NBCUniversal marks a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to inclusion in entertainment. Her leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of NBCUniversal’s programming and ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented in the industry.
Source: TheWrap
