Universal Exec on Leave After Injury

Rick Finkelstein, the top business executive at Universal Pictures, is taking a leave of absence of undetermined length as a result of a recent skiing accident, the studio announced Tuesday.

Finkelstein, 55, who is president and chief operating officer of the NBC Universal film unit, reportedly injured his spine in Aspen over the Christmas holiday and was in stable condition.

Universal Pictures Chairwoman Stacey Snider said Frederick Huntsberry, chief financial officer of NBC Universal Television Group, had been named to fill in for Finkelstein.

Huntsberry, 43, will continue to oversee NBC Universal Television Distribution, reporting to Snider and Jeff Zucker, president of NBC Universal Television Group.

A studio spokesman declined to discuss Finkelstein’s condition, citing privacy concerns.

In a statement, Snider said, “Our thoughts and support are with Rick and his family, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Finkelstein joined Universal in 1999 from Polygram Filmed Entertainment. He was named president in November of that year and added the title of chief operating officer in December 2000.