Party boy Ben Silverman is out as NBC entertainment chief, handing the job to Jeff Gaspin.
The departure comes on the heels of NBC’s confirmation that Silverman had recently extended his employment agreement with the fourth-place network.
Instead, he’s venturing out on his own to launch a new production company with Barry Diller’s IAC.
He will remain in his current role for a few more weeks “to assist in the launch of NBC’s fall schedule,” according to a press release by NBC announcing the moves.
Silverman, Emmy-winning executive producer of such shows as The Office and Ugly Betty, moved to NBC in 2007. Since arriving at the network, his claim to fame has been to move NBC from the traditional network upfront process, looking instead for ways to integrate products.
Speculation of his departure has been ongoing nearly since he arrived.