Igbokwe, who comes to NBC from Showtime, replaces Laura Lancaster, who will move into a consulting role to ease the transition.
At Showtime, Igbokwe was involved in hit series such as "Dexter" and "Nurse Jackie." She also developed the pilot for the upcoming Showtime series "Masters of Sex," which will star Michael Sheen.
In her new position, Igbokwe, who worked closely with Greenblatt at Showtime for seven years, will oversee all drama development for NBC.
Igbokwe is the latest in a long line of personnel to follow NBC Entertainment chair Robert Greenblatt over from Showtime since Greenblatt assumed his new position at NBC in January 2011. The list includes Len Fogge, who now serves as president of marketing for NBC Entertainment, current NBC Entertainment EVP of communications Richard Licata, and Robert Hayes, who now serves as NBC's executive vice president of digital media.
"Pearlena is hands-down one of the best creative executives I've ever worked with and I'm thrilled she is coming to NBC,” Greenblatt said. "She will be instrumental in reinvigorating our drama slate and making the network a haven for the top creative people in our business."
NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke added, “Pearlena has forged an impressive track record over her successful career that has earned her the admiration of the creative community. She will bring a unique perspective to development that will help us reach our goal of once again making NBC the home of some of the best and most respected dramas on television.”
Igbokwe began at Showtime as the cable network's manager of direct response, television marketing.
