David Nevins Becomes CEO of Showtime Networks

NEW YORK: David Nevins is taking over the CEO post at Showtime Networks, while Matthew Blank remains as chairman.

Blank has been serving as both chairman and CEO since 1995. As of January 1, 2016, he will hand over his title and CEO responsibilities to Nevins, the current president of Showtime. In his new role, Nevins will be responsible for all aspects of the daily and strategic management of the division. In addition to his current remit, which includes all creative development and acquisition of premium programming, marketing and other duties, his new role will add responsibility for all of the other business functions at Showtime. In connection with his appointment as CEO, Nevins’ term of employment is extended through 2018.

“Matt Blank has led Showtime as its chairman and CEO through two decades of dramatic change and evolution in the industry,” said Leslie Moonves, the president and CEO of CBS Corporation. “At each and every turn, he has shown terrific instincts and knowledge of the business. His patience, energy and dedication were central to building Showtime into the powerhouse it is today. He is passing the CEO torch at a terrific time, with Showtime now poised for significant new growth over the internet.”

“One of the key attributes I look for in my leadership team is the capacity and willingness to bring up the next generation of management,” Moonves added. “Matt has been an eager partner and invaluable contributor to the succession planning process at Showtime. It is a credit to Matt that we are now prepared to add the CEO duties to a talented executive like David Nevins, who is more than ready to take on this important role.”

On Nevins’ promotion, Moonves stated: “David is quite simply one of the most brilliant creative minds in our business today, and a great business manager as well, a combination that is both rare and incredibly valuable. In this world that is flooding with content, he is a peerless programmer whose work immediately rises to the top, be it in entertainment, in documentaries or in sports, all of which have blossomed under his leadership at Showtime. We couldn’t be more excited about the great skills that he brings to the job, and the incredible potential that he will be sure to realize.” 

Blank added: “I’m so proud of all the success at Showtime over the past few years. One of the great joys of my career has been working with David Nevins. I know he’ll bring his great programming, business and leadership skills, as well as his passion for Showtime, to his new responsibilities. This is a time of great opportunity for the company, and we are delighted David will be at the helm.”

“This transition comes at a time of truly exciting growth for Showtime,” said Nevins. “I feel fortunate to be handed the reins by Leslie and Matt, who have been the kind of mentors you can only hope to find once in a lifetime. Looking forward, all of us at Showtime will benefit immeasurably from Matt’s ongoing guidance and counsel as chairman.”