New CBS Entertainment Leadership in Place

CBS Corporation has put in place a new leadership team for its entertainment division, elevating Kelly Kahl to president of CBS Entertainment and appointing Thom Sherman as senior executive VP of programming.

Glenn Geller has decided to step down as president of CBS Entertainment. The company is in discussions with Geller for a production deal with CBS Television Studios.

Kahl, a longtime entertainment exec who has helped build CBS’s prime-time schedule for more than 20 years, will report directly to Leslie Moonves, the chairman and CEO of CBS Corporation. He joins with immediate effect. As part of his new role, Kahl will also oversee entertainment matters in marketing and promotion, digital/interactive, diversity, publicity, research and scheduling.

Sherman, who will join CBS from The CW later this week, will oversee creative affairs for entertainment programming in all dayparts and genres, reporting to Kahl. Sherman has developed and overseen a wide range of hit series at The CW, Bad Robot Productions and ABC. Now, he will oversee CBS’s creative departments such as comedy, drama, alternative, daytime, late night and specials, as well as current programming and casting.

“This is a dynamic, talented and very experienced executive team to lead a division that will create the next generation of hits for CBS,” said Moonves.

“Kelly has been part of my team since he was an intern at Lorimar 27 years ago,” added Moonves. “He has a brilliant programming mind, sharp business acumen and great analytical skills for our evolving television audience. He is also highly respected by his colleagues at CBS and our key external stakeholders, and he knows how to make all parts of the network work together to form a winning team.”

“Through our work at The CW, I’ve had a front-row seat to see Thom’s outstanding creative instincts and programming vision in action,” continued Moonves. “He has developed and nurtured an incredible roster of critically acclaimed, commercially successful and fan-favorite shows for The CW and other companies. He also has strong relationships across the community, a deft creative touch and a desire for making shows that create a passionate bond with the audience.”

“We have great respect for Glenn’s many accomplishments and his tireless efforts over 16 years at CBS—both at the network and our studio,” said Moonves. “He’s a smart programmer and loves the creative process, and we look forward to working with him in his new role.”