NBCUniversal is losing one of the leaders behind its digital push: Chris Berend, the network’s long-serving News Chief Digital Officer, is leaving after seven years. The decision arrives at a moment when legacy broadcasters are reshaping their streaming and social-video strategies, making the leadership change notable for viewers and industry watchers alike.
TheWrap first reported Berend’s departure. In an internal message to colleagues, he expressed gratitude for the team’s work and highlighted measurable growth across the network’s digital operations — from expanded live election coverage to new streaming properties tied to flagship franchises.
Career highlights and role at NBC News
Berend joined NBCNews after senior roles across broadcast and digital media, including positions at CNN, ESPN and Bloomberg Media. Earlier in his career he worked as a journalist at Esquire, moving into production and digital strategy as his focus shifted.
At NBC News Group, he led efforts to scale the network’s online footprint. That work included developing streaming destinations and integrating social-first video into the newsroom’s output, helping turn programs such as Today and Dateline into multiplatform experiences.
- Tenure: Seven years as NBC News Chief Digital Officer.
- Notable projects: Expansion of live-streamed coverage, social video initiatives, and new streaming channels tied to legacy shows.
- Background: Previous roles at CNN, ESPN, Bloomberg Media and as a journalist at Esquire.
Interim succession and continuity
NBC plans an internal interim handoff. Kyri Sarantakos, the network’s executive vice president of technology, is set to step into the role temporarily. Sarantakos, with NBCUniversal since 2017, led the launch of NBC News NOW and joined the company after serving as VP of engineering at Electric Objects in New York.
According to the report, Berend will remain in place through July 3 to help with the transition. Sarantakos’ technical background signals an emphasis on platform stability and engineering-led product development while the company selects a permanent successor.
Why this matters now
The departure removes a senior executive who helped translate traditional broadcast brands into digital-first experiences. For audiences, the practical effects are likely to be gradual: product road maps and content schedules typically continue under interim leadership. For competitors and partners, however, the change may open conversations about strategy, vendor relationships and future investments in streaming and social distribution.
Industry watchers will be watching three early indicators:
- Whether new leadership accelerates or alters existing streaming projects.
- Any changes in investment or partnerships for social and short-form video.
- The timeline and profile of the permanent hire to replace Berend.
NBC’s digital transformation has been a multi-year project, and this leadership shift is the latest chapter. With competition from pure-play streamers and evolving viewer habits, how NBC replaces and builds on Berend’s work will shape its digital presence in the months ahead.
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