The chief executive of NBCUniversal has left the US media and entertainment giant after having an “inappropriate relationship” with a female colleague.

NBCUniversal owner Comcast said Jeff Shell and the company had “mutually agreed” that he would leave immediately following an investigation led by outside counsel.

Mr Shell said: “Today is my last day as CEO of NBCUniversal.

“I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret.

“I’m truly sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down, they are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them the last 19 years has been a privilege.”

Mr Shell’s replacement has not been announced.

In a statement reported by CNBC, Comcast’s president Mike Cavanagh and chief executive Brian Roberts said: “We built this company on a culture of integrity.

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“Nothing is more important than how we treat each other.

“You should count on your leaders to create a safe and respectful workplace.

“When our principles and policies are violated, we will always move quickly to take appropriate action, as we have done here.”

Mr Shell, who is married, took over as chief executive of NBCUniversal in January 2020, overseeing its theme parks, Peacock streaming service, sports operations, TV stations and entertainment and news networks.

As well as owning NBCUniversal, Comcast also owns Sky, the owner of Sky News.

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