Scott M. Mills Tapped to Lead BET

ViacomCBS has promoted Scott M. Mills from president to CEO of BET.

During his four-year stint as president, Mills expanded the BET brand into a multi-platform media powerhouse that includes the premium SVOD BET+, the studio venture BET Studios, BET’s slew of digital platforms and more. As CEO, Mills will continue to build upon BET’s 40-year legacy and commitment to entertaining, engaging and empowering the Black community.

Mills’ social impact strategies have inspired company- and industry-wide change, including Content for Change, an initiative that leverages data to effect societal change and combat bias. ViacomCBS recently adopted the initiative across its entire organization, and Mills will continue to drive change in his new role.

“Under Scott’s leadership, BET has reached new heights with continued commercial success and profound cultural impact during a period of immense industry and social change,” said Bob Bakish, president and CEO of ViacomCBS. “Scott has been instrumental in the expansion of the BET brand as the premier destination for Black entertainment and top talent, and he has spearheaded transformative initiatives that not only give back to the community but also play a critical role in representation in front of and behind the camera. BET is a source of inspiration and pride across the company, and I’m excited for BET’s strong future ahead with Scott at the helm.”

“BET is uniquely positioned to thrive at the intersection of content, community and culture,” said Mills. “Through the power of the BET brand, our incredible team and great partners, we’ve established leading business franchises across linear, streaming, digital and, most recently, content development and distribution. It is an extraordinary privilege to steward such a culturally significant brand with an enormous legacy as a catalyst for change. As CEO, I look forward to working with my immensely talented BET colleagues and our great partners to ensure that BET continues to thrive and remains ideally positioned to succeed in the ever-changing media landscape.”