MUMBAI: Nickelodeon president Cyma Zarghami recently named head of the newly formed MTVN Kids and Family Group, today announced key executive promotions that will support Nickelodeon's continued growth.
Tom Ascheim, a 16-year veteran of Nickelodeon has been promoted to executive vice president and general manager, Nickelodeon Television. In this new position, Ascheim will expand his current responsibilities to oversee day-to-day operations for all of Nickelodeon's television businesses, including Nickelodeon; Noggin, The N and Nicktoons Television. His responsibilities will encompass all programming, production and marketing of the channels.
Additionally, Ascheim will be leading a production and creative group that will be positioned to produce and program content across multiple platforms. Ascheim will report to Zarghami.
In announcing Ascheim's promotion Zarghami said, "While we are at the forefront of emerging new platforms, television is still and will continue to be the number-one entertainment choice for kids, and Nickelodeon Television is in great hands under Tom Ascheim. Tom combines tremendous leadership and business skills with the heart of a true Nickelodeon veteran. He also has the finest creative team in the industry behind him, and that combination of talent will ensure Nickelodeon's success as we continue to move forward into this multiplatform era."
Additionally, Zarghami announced that Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products senior vice president, entertainment products Steve Youngwood has been named to the newly created position of executive vice president Nickelodeon Digital Media.
Youngwood will report into Zarghami with a dotted line to MTVN chief digital officer Jason Hirschhorn. He will lead and manage Nickelodeon's expansion across current and future digital platforms. He assumes the day-to-day management of Nickelodeon's growing online efforts, including Nick.com, Nicktoons.com, Nickjr.com, Noggin.com, The N.com and GoCityKids.com. Additionally, Youngwood will oversee the Group's wireless, gaming, interactive television and digital video initiatives.
"Steve is one of Nickelodeon's secret talents and has been a driving force in expanding our programming and creative content to exciting new platforms, from video games and records, to DVDS and cell phones, and most recently, iTunes. Steve will ensure that Nickelodeon will continue to be a leader with the best creative entertainment, as well as coordinate an overall digital strategy for our future, tapping into the MTVN infrastructure led by Jason Hirschhorn," said Zarghami.
Also, Sarah Kirshbaum Levy, previously senior vice president, strategy and business development, has been named executive vice ppresident, strategy and business operations, Nickelodeon. Levy will continue to oversee the finance, strategic planning, ancillary business operations and business development activities for the company, as well as adding the responsibility of overseeing Nickelodeon Recreation and Magazine divisions.
"Sarah Kirshbaum Levy truly has a gift for strategic thinking. She will be a key contributor as we build the Kids and Family brands and businesses," Zarghami said.
Zarghami also announced that Nickelodeon Networks Group chief operating officer and Nickelodeon Film and Enterprises president Jeff Dunn has made the decision to leave the company.
She said, "It is with great respect that we accept Jeff Dunn's decision to leave the company. We thank him for his tremendous contributions over the years. He leaves us very well-positioned to continue our growth in consumer products and the many other businesses he helped build. We will miss him and have enormous pride in what he has accomplished here."
