ROB SIMMELKJAER

Studio Host

Rob Simmelkjaer reprises his role as studio host on MSNBC during NBC Sports Group’s presentation of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Simmelkjaer previously served in the same role during the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Rob Simmelkjaer is currently Senior Vice President of NBC Sports Ventures, a role he took over in September, 2011. Simmelkjaer is responsible for managing the NBC Sports Ventures unit, a collection of NBC Sports properties including NBC Sports Radio, Reebok Spartan Race, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross and the Red Bull Signature Series. In addition, Simmelkjaer is charged with leading international business development for the NBC Sports Group, including acquisition and distribution of global media rights.

In addition to his position as Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Ventures, Simmelkjaer serves as an on-air contributor across multiple NBCUniversal platforms, including NBC Sports, NBCSN, NBCSR, NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC.

Prior to joining NBC, Simmelkjaer served as ESPN’s Vice President of International Development and Corporate Projects. In that role Simmelkjaer managed all international development and corporate projects for the network, including ESPN’s family of international television channels, radio outlets and publishing interests. Simmelkjaer also managed the networks relationship with the International Olympic Committee. During his time at ESPN, Simmelkjaer also served as an anchor & correspondent for ESPN and ABC News.

From 2003-2006, Simmelkjaer worked as Vice President, Assistant to the President. In that position he assisted George Bodenheimer in matters of strategic direction and management. Simmelkjaer joined ESPN in 2002, as the director of programming and acquisitions. In that role he was the primary figure responsible for the launch of a six-year programming agreement between ESPN/ABC Sports and the National Basketball Association.

A graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, Simmelkjaer practiced law in New York City before beginning his television career.

Simmelkjaer is a native of Haworth, NJ. He currently lives in Connecticut.

@RobSimmelkjaer