Chris McCarthy Replaces Sean Atkins as President of MTV

On Monday, Sean Atkins left the position after one year on the job and is being replaced by the VH1 and Logo executive

chris mccarthy

After MTV president Sean Atkins left the position on Monday, VH1 and Logo President Chris McCarthy was elevated to the role of president of MTV, VH1 and Logo.

In his new position, McCarthy will assume leadership of MTV and oversee all creative and business operations. McCarthy will continue to report to Doug Herzog, President of the Viacom Music and Entertainment Group.

McCarthy became the general manager of VH1 in July 2015 and was then promoted to president of VH1 and Logo last June.

Under his leadership, VH1 had its biggest year-over-year ratings growth in nearly 15 years. The network’s upcoming slate includes “Martha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party,” “Daytime Divas” and the anticipated revival of “America’s Next Top Model.”

“Chris has infused every brand he’s led with creativity, strategic clarity and distinctive talent driving results that defy this extraordinarily competitive landscape,” Herzog said in a statement.  “MTV is an iconic brand full of opportunity, and Chris has demonstrated the vision and ability to grow its expansive reach and powerful cultural impact.”

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead MTV, the place where I grew up and learned from some of the most gifted, creative and genuine leaders,” said McCarthy.  “The power of the MTV brand is its ability to let go everything it knows and reinvent for the next generation of youth, and I’m excited to push the boundaries of what it can be in this transformative time.”

Prior to joining VH1, McCarthy oversaw MTV2 and Logo, until he gained oversight of Logo in 2014. He also previously served as executive vice president for MTV and began his career at Viacom at mtvU.

On Monday, Atkins announced he would be leaving his position after one year on the job.

“I apologize for the shock to your Monday morning, but I have some news to share that will come as a surprise,” Atkins wrote. “I have decided to step down from my post as President of MTV. I’ll be consulting on the transition through January in an advisory role.”

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