Pearlena Igbokwe, a Nigerian-born media executive, has been appointed as chairman of Universal Studio Group. As the new chairman, she replaces Bonnie Hammer, who will take a new role as Vice Chairman, as announced by NBC Universal.

This makes Pearlena the first woman of African descent to head a major American television studio.

Universal Studio Group is a division of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information for a global audience.

According to a statement by Universal Studio Group, she will lead the company’s growing global television studio businesses and report directly to Jeff Shell, CEO, NBCUniversal.

She currently serves as the Vice President of the Hollywood Radio and TV Society (HRTS) board and is a member of the Television Academy Executive Committee.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and an MBA from Columbia University.

Pearlena was born in Nigeria. She is married and has two children. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California.