After seven years with TODAY, executive producer Jim Bell is moving on to produce all the Olympic coverage for NBC. Savannah, Matt, Al, Natalie and even Meredith Vieira crowded into the control room Monday to toast him and wish him well in his new gig.
Prior to joining TODAY in 2005, Bell spent 16 years with NBC Sports & Olympics. He has worked on every Olympic Games NBC has broadcast since 1992 in either sports or news. He was the executive producer for 2012's London Olympics, the most-watched event in U.S. television history. He will now be covering the games full time for NBCUniversal.
"We want to tell you that you've been a great producer, but also a great friend," said Matt, raising a glass of Champagne. "So from all of us down here we say, congratulations."
"Enjoy sleeping in," added Savannah.
Veteran TODAY show senior broadcast producer Don Nash succeeds Bell.
Related: Kathie Lee and Hoda bid farewell to TODAY executive producer Jim Bell