New York – Bill Nelson has announced that he will step down as CEO of Home Box Office, Inc. (HBO) at the end of the year. Under Nelson’s tenure, HBO has enjoyed record revenues and profits, experienced a resurgence in its original programming and expanded its international businesses, resulting in over 100 million subscribers worldwide.

Under the new management structure, Eric Kessler will serve as President and COO and Michael Lombardo will serve as President, Programming, and both will report to Richard Plepler, who will become CEO.

“HBO has been my home for almost 30 years so this decision was an emotional one,” said Nelson. “With my elevation to CEO more than five years ago, we set an ambitious agenda for HBO, and I’m proud to say that I feel the company has never been in better shape financially or creatively.”

Nelson has been Chairman and CEO of Home Box Office, Inc. since 2007. Prior to his current position, he was Chief Operating Officer for Home Box Office since 2002, responsible for overseeing domestic and international marketing and affiliate relations for the HBO and Cinemax networks; global home video distribution, content and licensing; film acquisitions; finance; legal; and human resources.