Mark Lazarus
Chief Executive Officer
Mark Lazarus serves as the Chief Executive Officer of VERSANT, a modern media company, home to leading news, sports, and entertainment brands. In this role, Lazarus manages all aspects of VERSANT, a new publicly traded company comprised of a strong portfolio of cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel, along with complementary digital assets including Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, and Sports Engine.
Prior, Lazarus was the Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group where he oversaw NBCUniversal’s TV and Streaming platforms, distribution and monetization. This expansive business included NBC broadcast and a range of cable television networks in addition to the Direct-to-Consumer business. As chairman, NBC’s Olympics rights deal was renewed and a contract extension was signed to air the Olympics through the 2032 Games. Under his leadership, Paris 2024 Summer Olympics reached record-breaking engagement and cross-platform viewership.
Previously, Lazarus was Chairman, NBCUniversal Broadcast, Entertainment and Lifestyle Group, Sports and News, where he led most of the company’s East Coast-based content businesses, including the Entertainment and Lifestyle Group, NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC. In addition, he oversaw the NBC Sports Group, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations and NBC Affiliate Relations. Under Lazarus’ leadership, the company forged new deals with the Olympics, NFL, NASCAR and the Premier League among many other partnerships.
Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Lazarus was President of Media and Marketing at CSE from 2008 - 2010 and President of Turner Entertainment Group from 2003 – 2008, where he oversaw all aspects of the networks.
Lazarus received his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University. He is on the Board of Governors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and serves on the Board of Directors for the East Lake Foundation and Hilton Grand Vacations.