Bolstering one of the most powerful lobbying teams in corporate America today, Comcast announced that it is moving NBCUniversal government affairs executive Mitch Rose to the mother ship.
Rose will now serve as senior vice president of congressional and federal government affairs, reporting to David L. Cohen, senior executive vice president and chief diversity officer of Comcast Corporation.
Rose is a former chief of staff for Alaska Republican Senator Ted Stevens. He joined NBCU at the senior VP level in 2014, leading the media conglomerate’s advocacy on issues including tax reform, the Olympics, broadcast ownership, intellectual property and piracy.
Rose is replacing Melissa Maxfield, who has led Comcast’s federal government affairs efforts since 2008 and is being transitioned to the role of senior strategic advisor on federal government and corporate affairs, where she will “direct relationships with key federal elected officials, trade and business organizations,” according to Cohen.
“Mitch has done a tremendous job leading NBCUniversal’s federal government relations division, working with policymakers on issues related to media and the broadcast industry,” Cohen said in a statement. “His experience and strategic insight navigating the complexities of Capitol Hill, combined with his exemplary leadership, make him an invaluable part of our remarkable team in Washington, D.C.”
According to the transparency organization OpenSecrets, Comcast spent more than $15.3 million on lobbying in 2017, ranking 14th among U.S. company in expenditures. The cable company’s lobbying spend rose around 7% as it advocated for things like corporate tax breaks and reforming the FCC rules process.