THE RISE OF ROBBINS

Nickelodeon has a new President in Brian Robbins, who will report to Viacom President and CEO Bob Bakish, Viacom announces.

The exec most recently served as President of Paramount Pictures' Paramount Players division, where he worked closely with Nickelodeon and other Viacom brands. For context, Nickelodeon co-branded films with Paramount Players include Dora the Explorer, Rugrats and other current projects.

“Brian is a creative powerhouse who has spent his career on the frontlines of our industry, anticipating and driving changes in television, film and digital media," shares Bakish. "With his unmatched credentials in kids’ entertainment and his firsthand knowledge of Nickelodeon, I have asked Brian to drive the innovation and transformation that will ensure the brand remains the dominant force with young audiences.”

The Emmy-nominated Robbins is a Directors Guild and Peabody award-winner, as well as a recipient of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Pioneer Prize. He co-founded the multi-platform media company Awesomeness in 2012 and served as CEO. He also co-founded production company Tollins/Robbins Productions and founded Varsity Pictures, where he served as President.

While Paramount Pictures searches for a replacement to head Paramount Players, Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group Prexy Wyck Godfrey will oversee day-to-day operations in the interim.