Mark Burnett Promoted at MGM, Extends Contract Through 2022

MGM has promoted Mark Burnett to chairman of its worldwide television group, and the executive has extended his contract with the company through 2022.

Burnett takes on global responsibility for television creative and production. He joined the studio as president of MGM Television and Digital Group in 2015. Under Burnett, MGM Television recently expanded the scope of its unscripted content development and production with the acquisitions of Evolution Media in 2017 (The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Vanderpump Rules and Botched) and, most recently, Big Fish Entertainment (Live PD, Black Ink Crew, Hustle & Soul and Bomb Patrol: Afghanistan).

“Mark is a one-of-a-kind creative individual with an incredible eye for talent and content and a long track record of success,” said Kevin Ulrich, CEO of Anchorage Capital Group and MGM’s chairman of the board of directors. “After more than 25 years in the business, he remains at the top of his game. We are confident that under Mark’s leadership, MGM Television’s best days are ahead.”

Burnett commented: “In the past four years at MGM we have renewed all our television franchises and have added a lot of new hits. This is the most fun I have had in my career and I know we will continue to build on these successes. I believe so strongly in the future of MGM and the team that surrounds me and it was important for me to extend my involvement well into the future.”