MSNBC has announced that Rashida Jones will succeed Phil Griffin as President of the news network. By earning the role, Jones will become the first Black executive to run a major news network. Prior to her promotion, Jones worked as Senior Vice President for NBC News and MSNBC. She helped oversee the network's COVID-19 coverage and 2020 election programming. Not to mention, Jones helped Kristen Welker prepare to moderate the second presidential debate between President Donald Trump and President-Elect Joe Biden.
Jones will follow in the footsteps of Phil Griffin. Griffin has served as President since 2008, but he has been with NBC Universal for more than three decades. He worked as a producer for TODAY before joining MSNBC when it was founded in 2008.
“Anyone who knows Phil well understands that he has many interests and passions outside news — and he is energized right now by the prospect of being able to participate in them professionally,” NBC Universal Chariman Cesar Conde wrote.
“Even though COVID will — for now — prevent us from celebrating Phil in person (and exchanging his trademark high-fives), we will find the right ways to honor his NBC career, share stories, and wish him the best of luck in his next professional adventure. We have some time, as he has agreed to stay on through the end of January to ensure a smooth transition.”
Jones will take over a network that has improved and expanded its audience for six years. In recent months, talent such as Joy Reid and Chris Hayes have emerged as the next generation of voices for the network.
"Rashida knows and understands MSNBC, in part because it’s where she started when she first joined NBCU seven years ago. She knows that it is the people who work here that make it great, and she understands its culture. She also appreciates the impact and potential of the brand," Conde added.
"If you’ve worked with Rashida on any of those endeavors, you know that she has an outstanding track-record and she leads with a laser-like focus and grace under pressure. I know she will be an excellent leader for MSNBC."
Jones will assume the role of President on February 1.
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