NBCUniversal is starting to blaze its own corporate path.

The Comcast-backed media conglomerate, which is slated to be spun off from its parent company within a year’s time, named Christopher Halpin as chief financial officer. He will begin in his new role on September 8, and report to Mike Cavanagh, co-CEO of Comcast.

Halpin had been chief operating officer and chief financial officer at People Incorporated, the Barry Diller-controlled media vehicle that publishes People, Southern Living and InStyle, among other brands. Halpin oversaw duties tied to corporate finance, accounting, M&A, investor relations and administration functions.

“As NBCUniversal prepares to enter its next chapter as an independent public company, we’re thrilled to welcome Chris as our Chief Financial Officer,” said Cavanagh, in a statement. “Chris has spent his career helping build and grow leading businesses across sports, media and entertainment — the areas that will drive NBCUniversal’s growth in the years ahead. He brings deep industry experience, outstanding judgment and a collaborative approach that make him a trusted partner. I can’t think of a better person to join our leadership team as we build on our strong foundation and shape NBCUniversal’s future.”

Halpin spent nearly a decade in senior leadership roles at the National Football League, where he served as chief strategy and growth officer. Before joining the NFL,, Halpin was a partner and managing director at Providence Equity Partners, where he supervised transactions across the firm’s media, entertainment and technology investments. He began his career in the Merchant Banking Department of Goldman Sachs & Co. He holds a degree in Economics from Princeton University.

Randy Culbertson, NBCUniversal’s current CFO, is expected to remain part of the company’s leadership team and will move to a new role that is supposed to be announced in coming weeks.