Kin Taps Director of Talent & Development

Kin, a creator of unscripted entertainment franchises aimed at women aged 25 to 40, has hired ViacomCBS alum Zaina Sesay as director of talent and development.

In her new role, Sesay will work with Kin to expand and strengthen its current roster, which includes Tia Mowry, Adrienne Bailon Houghton and Jeannie Mai. She will act as the liaison between talent and their representatives and the internal team at Kin.

Sesay’s remit will also include researching, identifying and signing new celebrity talent for Kin-owned and operated digital shows and other content partnership opportunities with TV networks and streaming platforms. She will report to Shani Black, Kin’s head of programming and development.

Previously, Sesay worked across both MTV and VH1 networks on such programs as Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party, Basketball Wives, Girl’s Cruise, Love & Listings, MTV Cribs and Teyana & Iman, as well as a number of series in development. She got her start in the entertainment industry at FremantleMedia, working across the development and digital departments.

Black said: “Zaina’s broad experience working with diverse talent in lifestyle programming will be a true asset as we continue to grow the Kin portfolio of shows.”

Sesay added: “I’ve always admired Kin’s roster of talent and shows and how they’ve managed to create franchises that truly resonate with young women. I’m looking forward to joining the team and helping them continue to build out their impressive lineup.”