Paramount has unveiled the new leadership of its cable brands such as Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central as it sets out plans to “reinvent” these brands.
George Cheeks, Chair of TV Media at Skydance-owned Paramount, has named its top executives across these networks, following
last week’s layoffs, which saw the departure of a phalanx of cable employees. It also follows the departure of Chris McCarthy, former co-CEO of Paramount Global who ran Showtime & MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks.
At Nickelodeon,
Jules Borkent, who has been with the kids channel since 1998, largely on the international side, will oversee Nickelodeon Kids & Family’s business and strategy. He previously served as Vice President (VP) of programming at Nickelodeon International.
Ashley Kaplan and
Alec Botnick will oversee its animation studio across digital, television and streaming, overseeing
SpongeBob SquarePants and
PAW Patrol as well as being in charge of developing new franchises. Kaplan, who was previously EVP, Unscripted and Digital Franchise Studios, and Botnick, who remains EVP, Comedy Development, Head of Animation and Alternative, at CBS Studios will also oversee animated development across the CBS, Comedy Central, and MTV brands for owned and third-party platforms.
Laurel Weir will lead programming for MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and other cable networks, and will also oversee the Global Programming Acquisitions Group across TV Media. Weir rose up the company having joined in research. Her previous title was EVP/head of programming and strategic insights & research for Paramount Media Networks, Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios.
Sitarah Pendelton will oversee MTV series and specials including its
RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise, while
Jeannie Scalzo will lead the MTV business alongside Weir. Pendelton was previously Executive Vice President (EVP), Unscripted Series, Paramount Media Networks and Paramount+, while Scalzo was EVP, Brand Partnerships at Paramount Media Networks.
Following Jon Stewart closing another one-year deal to remain as one of the hosts and executive producers of
The Daily Show through the end of next year,
Ari Pearce will lead Comedy Central, overseeing the late-night show and
South Park. Pearce was previously Senior Vice President (SVP) of original programming and development at the network.
Trevor Rose, who was EVP, Head of Global Talent and Content Development for Showtime/MTVE, will lead talent and content strategy. Having gutted its music department in the recent cuts, Nadja Webb, who is EVP, Programming Operations & Business and Legal Affairs for BET, will oversee music initiatives while keeping her previous role.
Across TV Media, Bryon Rubin is Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mike Benson leads marketing, Allison Brightman and Jeeun Kim oversee business affairs, Whitney Delich runs human resources, Chris Ender oversees communications, Jeff Gerttula runs digital, Liz Miller is in charge of production, Jeannie Scalzo remains in charge of brand strategy and IP monetization, Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i leads content engagement and partnerships and Laurel Weir continues to run strategic insights and research. Ender was previously head of comms for CBS.
Janice Gatti (formerly head of Paramount international communications) will oversee corporate communications for TV Media, overseeing PR and comms for Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network and other cable networks, with Ashley Priest joining her. The changes come after Liza Burnett Fefferman exited her post as head of communications for Paramount Media Networks and Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios in August.
Not mentioned in Cheeks’ memo: who will oversee other Paramount cable networks including VH1, TV Land, Logo TV and Paramount Network.
Cheeks thanked staff for their “resilience during this difficult time of transformation”.
“As we move forward, I want to share our vision for the newly aligned TV Media division – a powerhouse of iconic brands and creative talent. This group includes CBS alongside BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and more. These brands have entertained audiences and shaped culture for decades. While the industry has changed considerably, their brand identities and creative voices are meaningful and remain strong. Together, we will reimagine how we leverage their power across platforms in ways that reflect today’s audiences and tomorrow’s possibilities,” he wrote in an internal note to staff.
“Our purpose is clear: to reinvent and strengthen our brands to build a stronger future that’s rooted in exceptional storytelling across entertainment, news and sports. We’ll celebrate each brand, while leaning into franchises, driving revenue, growing viewership and deepening engagement across platforms. Our cable brands will focus on a more curated slate, optimizing programming and marketing resources to amplify what resonates most. That means leaning into franchises like Spongebob, Paw Patrol, RuPaul’s Drag Race, South Park, Ms. Pat and The Daily Show, while continuing to develop new IP across our studios and seeking new ways to amplify and connect with audiences,” he added.
Following the merger, Cheeks admitted that the linear business was “super challenging” but highlighted its “incredibly iconic franchises”.
“We’re all seeing the pay cable business shifting over to streaming. So, there’ll be a lot of conversations about what iconic franchises we want to continue, shift maybe to streaming, etc…. I do feel like there’s a lot to preserve there. There’s a lot of great, iconic franchises,” Cheeks added.
Similarly, Paramount President Jeff Shell noted that Paramount’s cable portfolion was a “little bit different” than its rivals. “We have less of our economics of the company on cable because they decline so much. But the brands are much more defined. You look at a brand like BET, which is a pretty strong brand that’s going to be a pretty important building block of our of our streaming strategy. So we’re thinking about the cable networks not as declining linear assets that we need to spin off or deal with somehow. We’re thinking of them as brands that we have to redefine.”
Thank you for your resilience during this difficult time of transformation. Saying goodbye to valued colleagues is never easy, and your continued commitment speaks volumes.
As we move forward, I want to share our vision for the newly aligned TV Media division – a powerhouse of iconic brands and creative talent. This group includes CBS alongside BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and more.
These brands have entertained audiences and shaped culture for decades. While the industry has changed considerably, their brand identities and creative voices are meaningful and remain strong. Together, we will reimagine how we leverage their power across platforms in ways that reflect today’s audiences and tomorrow’s possibilities.
Our purpose is clear: to reinvent and strengthen our brands to build a stronger future that’s rooted in exceptional storytelling across entertainment, news and sports. We’ll celebrate each brand, while leaning into franchises, driving revenue, growing viewership and deepening engagement across platforms.
Our cable brands will focus on a more curated slate, optimizing programming and marketing resources to amplify what resonates most. That means leaning into franchises like SPONGEBOB, PAW PATROL, RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE, SOUTH PARK, MS. PAT and THE DAILY SHOW, while continuing to develop new IP across our studios and seeking new ways to amplify and connect with audiences.
This is a moment to embrace new ideas and focus on what truly makes an impact on our business. It is essential that we clarify priorities and be intentional in all we do. We also need to be honest about what’s not working and give our teams agency to rethink legacy processes that no longer move the needle. Let’s share expertise and work together because our success depends on how we show up for each other and for our audiences.
Let’s move forward with purpose, creativity and a shared commitment to shaping what’s next.
As part of our new TV Media division, the Paramount cable brands will have a new structure with new leadership assigned as follows:
- Laurel Weir will lead programming for multiple brands including MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and other cable networks, and will oversee the Global Programming Acquisitions Group across TV Media.
- Nickelodeon:
- Jules Borkent will oversee Nickelodeon Kids & Family’s business and strategy, working in partnership with key stakeholders to maximize the Nick brand.
- Ashley Kaplan and Alec Botnick will lead Nickelodeon’s animation studio for digital, television and streaming, overseeing the brand’s beloved series such as SPONGEBOB and PAW PATROL and developing new ones. They will also oversee animated development across the CBS, Comedy Central, and MTV brands for owned and third-party platforms.
- Comedy Central:
- Ari Pearce will lead Comedy Central, including new comedy development and oversight of hit series like SOUTH PARK and THE DAILY SHOW.
- MTV:
- Sitarah Pendelton will lead all MTV series and specials including signature franchises like RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE.
- Jeannie Scalzo will partner with Laurel Weir to lead the MTV business.
- Across the cable brands, Trevor Rose will lead talent and content strategy; and Nadja Webb will oversee all music initiatives, working closely with Laurel Weir, and will maintain oversight of Programming Operation and Business Affairs for BET.
Finally, our cross-divisional TV Media leads supporting all our broadcast, studios and cable businesses are: Bryon Rubin (COO & CFO); Mike Benson (Marketing); Allison Brightman and Jeeun Kim (Business Affairs); Whitney Delich (Human Resources); Chris Ender (Communications); Jeff Gerttula (Digital); Liz Miller (Production); Jeannie Scalzo (Brand Strategy & IP Monetization); Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i (Content Engagement & Partnerships); and Laurel Weir (Strategic Insights & Research).
I’m working closely with our leadership team to refine our vision, priorities and goals for the path ahead. We’ll share more as soon as possible.
Thank you for everything you do. I believe in this team and in what we’re building as we shape the future of TV Media together.
Last week, Paramount TV Studios head Matt Thunell announced a restructuring of its leadership team amid the mass layoffs. See below for Thunell’s memo to staff announcing the leadership changes.
Over the last few months, we’ve brought together teams from Skydance, MTV Entertainment Studios, Showtime, Awesomeness, and Nickelodeon into one studio focused on making world-class television series. As we move forward in this new incarnation of Paramount Television Studios, we must make changes to position our business for growth and success. To do that, we’re evolving our organization to better serve creators, audiences, and partners around the world through a new, streamlined structure.
Our studio has an enviable roster of senior executive talent, and after spending time with everyone, I’ve made key leadership decisions to ensure we achieve our ambitious goals. But this means we must also say goodbye to colleagues we deeply admire and respect. In the spirit of transparency, I want to share the following updates on our new leadership structure:
· Drew Brown, currently EVP, Physical Production for Skydance, will be the new PTVS Head of Production, reporting to me. Drew is a seasoned executive who has been instrumental in some of Skydance’s biggest shows including Reacher for Prime Video. Prior to Skydance, he led Production at AMC Studios, where he was a driving force on series including The Walking Dead.
· With this change, Keri Flint, EVP and Head of Global Production for MTVE/Showtime, will be stepping down. Keri has been with the company for more than two decades, and in that time, she has been an incredibly valued member of our team. Her credits and accomplishments are too numerous to count; we thank her for her lasting impact.
· Shelley Zimmerman and Carolyn Harris will continue in their roles as EVP, Head of Development and EVP, Head of Current, respectively, and will continue to report to me.
· Keith Cox, currently President of MTVE Studios & Showtime and a champion of Yellowstone since day one, will continue to oversee our expansive lineup of shows from the Taylorverse and will report to me.
· COO Courtney Armstrong, CFO Mark Badagliacca, EVP Human Resources Talia Robinson, and EVP Global Communications & Media Relations Brooke Robertson are expanding their respective purviews to encompass PTVS, in addition to their current roles at Paramount Pictures. A key strategic initiative for our studio is deeper partnership and collaboration with our Features colleagues. Placing these leaders across the entire studio is an important first step in achieving this goal.
· Dawn Lach, SVP, Global Communications & Publicity, will transition from Skydance TV to PTVS, reporting to Brooke.
Business Affairs & Legal Affairs
· Moving forward, Business Affairs and Legal Affairs will operate as two distinct groups. Our Head of Business Affairs will be Virginia Lazalde McPherson, who previously served as EVP, Business Affairs at Showtime, and was Global Head of Business Affairs at YouTube Originals prior to that. Bringing a wealth of experience and top-notch relationships, I’m excited to partner with Virginia in this new role.
· Lance McPherson will transition from his role as EVP, Deputy General Counsel and Head of Business & Legal Affairs to EVP, Legal Affairs. He will oversee all legal efforts for our studio going forward.
· Jeff Hegedus is stepping down from his role as EVP, TV Business & Legal Affairs for Skydance. Jeff is known as a selfless mentor and a steadfast colleague. I thank him for his leadership and dedication during long tenure at Skydance.
· Mel Rauch will be joining the team as Head of Finance. Previously, Mel was at Netflix, where she served as VP of EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) Content Finance & Strategy. I worked closely with Mel at Netflix for many years, where she was beloved as a creative problem solver and trusted business partner.
· Reporting into Mel will be Arturo Reyes, who will transition from his current role as EVP and Global Head of Production Finance at Skydance into his new role as Head of Production Finance for PTVS.
· Candice Brancazio, CFO, Paramount Media Networks, Showtime & MTVE, and Matt Hengemuhle, SVP, FP&A, will be exiting their respective roles, with Matt taking on a new remit in our Direct to Consumer business. We’re grateful for their leadership and contributions and we will be announcing a new FP&A lead for our studio soon.
· Trevor Rose will depart from his role as EVP, Head of Global Talent and Content Development for Showtime/MTVE and is moving to a leadership role in our TV Media group. With this, Tricia Wood will be expanding her role as EVP, Casting for Paramount Pictures to also oversee casting for PTVS. We believe this structure will encourage on-screen talent to work more seamlessly across our Features and Television Series.
Nickelodeon Live-Action and Awesomeness
· Shauna Phelan, EVP, Head of Live Action Series, Films & Talent, Nickelodeon and Awesomeness TV will be stepping down. Shauna has been a longtime leader of the Nickelodeon and Awesomeness teams and has been pivotal in shaping those brands. Thankfully, Shauna is not going far, as we are in discussions with her about working with us as a producer on some of our most important titles. Going forward, we remain committed to creating high-quality content for kids, teens and families — building on our incredible IP, championing new ideas, and operating as one unified team.
I know these are a lot of changes, but I am confident this new structure will strengthen collaboration, streamline decision-making, and super-charge our growth. In the coming weeks, we will continue the integration process, spending time on creative and business strategy under our new leadership team —more on that work soon.
Finally, I want to take a moment to thank our colleagues who are transitioning out of their roles. They have each contributed enormously to our organization, and we are grateful for their leadership, partnership, and many achievements. Please join me in wishing them the very best.
Thank you, as always, for your passion, resilience, and commitment. I cannot wait for all that we will accomplish together.
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