Elon Musk Selects Linda Yaccarino, Former NBCUniversal Advertising Head, as Twitter’s New CEO
In a tweet shared on Friday, Elon Musk announced that Linda Yaccarino, who previously served as the head of advertising at NBCUniversal, will take over as the CEO of Twitter. Musk stated that Yaccarino’s primary focus would be on business operations, allowing him to concentrate on product design and new technology.
Yaccarino expressed her enthusiasm for her new role in a response to Musk’s announcement on Twitter, commending his visionary approach and stating her eagerness to work together to transform Twitter’s business. Following the announcement, she also noted a significant increase in her follower count, now boasting nearly 400,000 followers on the platform.
Musk’s revelation regarding his successor came shortly after he tweeted on Thursday that he had found someone new to lead the social media platform, with plans for the transition to occur in approximately six weeks. As Musk prepares to become Twitter’s executive chairman and chief technology officer, having acquired the company for $44 billion last fall, Yaccarino is poised to step into the role of CEO.
On Friday, NBCUniversal officially confirmed Yaccarino’s departure from the company, effective immediately. Comcast president Mike Cavanagh expressed gratitude for her leadership and the innovative team and platform she helped build, while Yaccarino herself expressed her honor to have been part of Comcast NBCUniversal and acknowledged the company’s transformation under her guidance.
Yaccarino’s background showcases her impressive qualifications for the position. As a graduate of Penn State University, she served as the chair of global advertising and partnerships at NBCUniversal, acting as the strategic and operational link across the company’s global networks, properties, and business units. Yaccarino was responsible for monetizing the company’s networks, digital and streaming platforms, distribution and commerce partnerships, and client relationships. Throughout her tenure, she led a team of 2,000 members that generated over $100 billion in ad sales and played a significant role in launching the ad-supported streaming service Peacock. Her profile on LinkedIn highlights her extensive investments in data and technology capabilities.
Yaccarino’s reputation extends beyond her professional accomplishments. Known as a sought-after connector, collaborator, and counselor within the industry, she has served as the chair of the Ad Council, successfully garnering support from various entities, including the White House, for impactful campaigns reaching millions of Americans.
Industry experts view Yaccarino’s appointment as a strong move for Twitter. Given her vast experience overseeing billions in ad revenue annually and her ability to launch new revenue streams, such as Peacock, for NBCUniversal, analysts consider her a “homerun hire” for Twitter. Dan Ives, a technology analyst at Wedbush, believes Yaccarino will align well with Twitter’s overall strategy and future monetization efforts. With the need for Twitter to revamp its digital advertising strategy and monetize its user base, Yaccarino’s expertise and immediate impact are crucial.
The road ahead for Twitter involves significant challenges in rebuilding its digital advertising presence and securing advertisers, especially following the changes implemented under Elon Musk’s leadership. Industry analysts anticipate that Yaccarino’s leadership, backed by her extensive knowledge and experience, will position Twitter for a successful turnaround in the coming months.
