By Jake Donovan

Peter Nelson was a key hire when HBO revamped its sports department in the wake of Ross Greenburg's resignation in 2011. Four years later, he now ushers in a new era. 

In a move widely expected by most in the industry, HBO elevated Nelson to Executive Vice President of its award-winning sports department. The annoucement was made Tuesday morning, confirming Nelson's promotion after having served as Vice President, Programming, HBO Sports for the past two years.

“Peter Nelson is the ideal choice to spearhead our groundbreaking programming initiatives as well as our commitment to world class boxing, which have made HBO Sports an acclaimed franchise for the network,” said Michael Lombardo, the president of HBO Programming who hired Nelson in 2011. “He has a comprehensive understanding of boxing, a key programming staple for our subscribers for more than four decades.  

“We enjoyed a terrific 2015 season and can’t wait to present the best collection of fighters in the world on our platforms in the new year.”

Nelson will report directly to Lombardo, assuming the role effective immediately. His responsibilities include - but not limited to - overseeing strategic direction and operations of the HBO Sports department, including its boxing franchise and HBO Pay-Per-View®, as well as  “The Fight Game With Jim Lampley” and “24/7,” the latter which has earned 18 Sports Emmy® Awards.

The announcement formally fills the void left behind in the wake of Ken Hershman's announced resignation from the same position earlier this month. Hersham - who came aboard in 2012 following a similar role at Showtime - will formally step down by year's end. 

In the meantime, Nelson - who graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University - is eager to hit the ground running. 

“The quality of HBO Sports programming is mirrored in the profound talents creating it, both those who work with HBO and those who work within it, people for whom I have deep admiration and with whom I’m excited to collaborate,” Nelson said in a statement.    

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox