Steve Nissen

Senior Vice President, Legal and Government Affairs, NBCUniversal

At NBCUniversal, Steve Nissen is responsible for developing and coordinating a comprehensive state and local government agenda, including anti-piracy, intellectual property protection, tax, digital, broadcast, film production, land use, and government compliance. Nissen also serves as chairman of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, and as chairman of the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute and Central City Association. Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Nissen was a partner at Manatt Phelps & Phillips from 2002 to 2008, representing a wide range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofit entities. In early 1999, Nissen became a senior official in the administration of Gov. Gray Davis.

Enjoy most: I am challenged every day by new and changing issues in an industry that is endlessly fascinating.

Toughest challenge: Approval of NBCUniversal’s 20-year master plan, a team effort that required gaining support from local officials, neighborhood associations, labor, and environmental groups.

Proudest moment: I am proud of the fact that I am able to bring all my past professional activities to the table to help the company and help the community at the same time.

Most excited: Los Angeles has the potential to not only be the entertainment capital of the world, but the idea and innovation capital of the world.

Best advice: Be respectful of the people you work with and the people you work for. Keep your eyes and your mind open to new, innovative ways to tackle ongoing challenges. And make integrity your guide star.

Beverage: Soy latte.

Car you drive: BMW 5 Series.

Alma maters: BA, Stanford University; JD, University of California, Berkeley School of Law

Fun fact: I speak Indonesian (poorly, but I can get by).

Bucket list: See the Aurora Borealis.

Hobby/passion: Travel.

Favorite destination: Southeast Asia.