11/02/12, 23:01:49 EST

  e-mail this article

Michael Lewellen Named Vice President, Public Relations, for Universal Orlando Resort

eTN

Michael Lewellen, former head of Corporate Communications for Black Entertainment Television (BET Networks), has been appointed Vice President, Public Relations, for Universal Orlando Resort and will join the company September 17th.

Lewellen succeeds Cindy Gordon, who was recently named Universal's Vice President of New Media Partnerships.


In his new role, Lewellen assumes primary responsibility for Universal Orlando's external media communications, theme park and attractions publicity and crisis management. He will also serve as Universal Orlando's primary media spokesperson. Lewellen will report to Kurt Kostur, Universal Orlando's Senior Vice President of Marketing.


"Michael's extensive experience in media relations and the entertainment industry makes him a perfect fit for Universal Orlando Resort and the NBC/Universal family," Kostur said. "We're thrilled to welcome him and look forward to his leadership."


Lewellen was BET Networks' top communications executive in charge of media and public relations for the company's cable television, wireless services, home entertainment, Internet and international business units, as well as past ventures in publishing, restaurants and feature films. Based in Washington, DC, BET is a subsidiary of multimedia conglomerate Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) . Prior to joining BET in 1999, Lewellen held a number of strategic communications and management roles throughout his career for such companies as FOX Sports Network, Turner Sports, Nike and Southwestern Bell Telephone.


Lewellen holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Arkansas State University. He also has the distinction of being an accredited public relations practitioner with both the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators.

 Printable Version  | published Sep 05, 2007