First on TVNewser: Brian Steel is joining CNBC as the new Vice President of Public Relations. Current VP of media relations, Kevin Goldman stays with the company and will report to Steel. Goldman tells TVNewser, "I am thrilled, we are adding strength and I get to continue what I do and what I love doing."

From the press release, CNBC president Mark Hoffman, says, Steel "has a strong background in strategic communications with
experience in the financial services industry as well as the federal
government. Most recently he served as a Director and the Global Head of Corporate Affairs for Citigroup's Global Transaction Services
business."

The search for a new PR VP was first reported by BigHeadDC about a month ago.

Click continued to read the note from CNBC president Mark Hoffman...

>More: From a network insider with knowledge of the situation: Steel will have oversight of long term/strategic initiatives and "Kevin will do more day to day. Steel brings something new to the mix with a non-traditional media background...comes from business and politics, I think they'll make a great team."

I am pleased to announce Brian Steel will be joining CNBC as Vice
President for Public Relations effective Monday September 24, 2007. In this new role Brian will provide strategic direction for our media
relations, corporate communications, and community relations efforts.
Brian will report directly to me. Kevin Goldman, CNBC's Vice President Media Relations, will continue in that role and report to Brian along with our current communications team. Together they will continue to focus on effectively representing CNBC internally and externally. Brian will also work with the CNBC and NBC-Universal communications teams globally to ensure a strong corporate identity for CNBC throughout the world.

Brian has a strong background in strategic communications with
experience in the financial services industry as well as the federal
government. Most recently he served as a Director and the Global Head
of Corporate Affairs for Citigroup's Global Transaction Services
business.

Before joining Citi in 2002, Brian held multiple positions with the
United States Department of Justice including; Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Policy Development and Associate Director for the Office of Public Affairs. Brian was also assigned to the White House for one year where he served as a domestic policy advisor to the Vice President.

Before working in Washington, DC, Brian spent five years as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

I am very excited to have Brian join the team. His knowledge and
expertise will be a great asset to the organization.

Please join me in welcoming Brian to CNBC.

Mark