Viacom Names Paula Kaplan EVP of Talent for Nickelodeon

Viacom is expanding Paula Kaplan’s role at the company to include the title of executive VP of talent for Nickelodeon.

As the executive VP of talent and development for Viacom Digital Studios and executive VP of talent for Nickelodeon, Kaplan will report to both Brian Robbins, president of Nickelodeon, and Kelly Day, president of Viacom Digital Studios. Kaplan, who has been with Viacom Digital Studios since April 2018, will continue to oversee talent and development at Viacom Digital Studios, while expanding her role to include oversight of Nickelodeon’s talent division.

Kaplan previously served as chief talent officer and head of live content for AwesomenessTV from 2015 to 2018, leading the company’s talent initiatives and casting strategies for film, series and new business opportunities. From 1993 to 2014, Kaplan held numerous roles at Nickelodeon, including executive VP of original programming and live events, executive VP of talent and general manager for the West Coast, senior VP of talent and VP of talent relations.

“Paula is a creative leader who intuitively understands how to identify and cultivate breakthrough talent from, and for, all platforms,” Robbins said. “Her strong relationships with the creative community and experience across all areas of the business and all platforms will greatly contribute to the strength and influence of the Nick brand and its stars.”

Day added: “Paula knows exactly how to build talent and to engage young audiences on every platform. This evolution of her role at the company is a testament to the great work she has been doing at Viacom Digital Studios and will position us well for the future by bringing the work of our talent teams closer together.”