New Today Show Host Announced: Willie Geist Takes 9am Slot

New Today Show Host Announced: Willie Geist Takes 9am Slot

Willie Geist has been named as the new co-host of the 9am hour of NBC’s morning show 'Today'. Jim Bell, the show’s executive producer made the announcement, revealing that Geist will start in his new role as of November 12, 2012. Geist, 37, will join Al Roker, 58 and Natalie Morales, 40 as co-presenter of 'Today'. In his statement, Jim Bell said “"We are thrilled to add Willie to the 'Today' team… He brings a solid news background with a keen sense of creativity and humor. From politics to pop culture, Willie is a skilled and versatile reporter who will make a great addition at 9 a.m. and contribute to the entire broadcast.

According to US magazine, he’s going to carry on working as one of NBC’s main News contributors, as well as the NBC Sports Group. He’s also going to remain as co-host of MSNBC’s 'Morning Joe', where he has been covering national politics since 2007. Geist has long had a decent reputation amongst NBC’s ranks but excelled himself this summer, when he anchored NBC Sports Network’s coverage of the 2012 London Olympics. Earlier this year, Today show veteran Ann Curry, 55, was fired from her post on the show as Matt Lauer’s co-anchor. She had been with the show for 15 years and was replaced by Savannah Guthrie, 40.

Willie Geist‘s wife is his childhood sweetheart, Christina Sharkey. They wed in 2003 and have two children together.