Chief Executive, NBCUniversal

Shell presides over perhaps the smoothest-running major studio-in-a-media-conglomerate configuration with Universal Pictures owned by cable TV’s Comcast. Universal Pictures milks pricey franchises like “Jurassic Park” and “Fast and Furious” with multiple films and also gets surprise hits from modestly budgeted movies ranging from kids animated “Sing 2” to slasher “Halloween Kills.” Rough spots include being late to launch its Peacock service amid the video streaming revolution and ratings travails for the Olympics. He took the top spot in 2013, after coming up through the international side and earlier working for Comcast in programing.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 7