Peter Smith has been promoted to president of NBC UniversalInternational. He had been president of Universal Pictures International sinceits inception in 2000.

His new appointment is effective immediately, although he will continueto look after Universal Pictures through the end of the year while areplacement is appointed.

Smith will continue to be based in London. He will nowspearhead international business growth for the company and ensure thatinternational divisions are coordinating efforts.

"Peter is an experienced and talented global executive with strongrelationships across the industry," said Bob Wright, vice chairman, GE, andchairman and CEO, NBC Universal. "His international experience will proveinvaluable to extending our global footprint across all platforms andaccelerating our international growth."

He will have direct operational responsibility for International TV andNew Media Distribution and for NBCU Global Networks. He will work with otherexecutives including David Kosse in International Theatrical Marketing andDistribution, Mick Buckley at CNBC Europe, JeremyPink at CNBC Asia and his successor atUniversal Pictures International.

Before joining Universal, Smith was vice president, entertainment Europe with PolyGramFilmed Entertainment, where he set up operating companies in Spain in Italy.