51 Minds Promotes from Within as COO Departs

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Below Deck producer 51 Minds Entertainment has named Zachary Klein as executive VP of operations and production, while Temple Williams is stepping away from the COO post.

Klein most recently served as VP of production at 51 Minds, which produces such hit series as the Below Deck franchise, T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle, Cakealikes and Marriage or Mortgage. He joined 51 Minds in 2012 with over a decade of experience in unscripted television, having worked on a myriad of shows for ABC, NBC, FOX, MTV, VH1, CMT, TLC and Netflix.

Williams, who has served as 51 Minds’ chief operation officer since 2014, will be leaving the studio later this year. Williams joined the company as executive VP and general manager in 2009.

“Zach has done an amazing job overseeing production on some of our top series and he’s very deserving of this new role,” said 51 Minds Entertainment President Christian Sarabia. “His long list of credits and extensive experience in our industry will serve all of us well as we head into what’s shaping up to be a very busy production period for 51 Minds.”

Sarabia added, “At the same time, I want to wish Temple all the best in his future endeavors. He has played an integral role in our studio’s growth over the last decade and helped paved the way for the success of our Below Deck franchise.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to continue working with Christian and the 51 Minds’ team,” said Klein. “I’ve been with the company for nearly a decade now and I’m looking forward to what’s to come with our ever-expanding slate.”