MTV has hired longtime MLB chief marketing officer Jacqueline Parks and former Lifetime exec Eli Lehrer as new EVPs, the network announced Monday.
Parkes will serve as Executive Vice President, Marketing and Creative, and will oversee the network’s marketing efforts across all platforms. Lehrer will oversee MTV2 and be responsible for the network’s brand vision, voice and creative pipeline. Both will report directly to Sean Atkins, President of MTV.
“Jacqueline is a bona fide game-changer whose transformational brand leadership and fan engagement bridged pro baseball’s storied past with its innovative future. Her vision and experience will be invaluable as we reinvigorate MTV,” said Atkins in a statement.
Atkins continued, “Eli is one of the sharpest, most versatile and well-respected creative executives in the business. We’re thrilled to give him a homecoming to Viacom and a great canvas for his talents at MTV2.”
Additionally, two Viacom executives have been appointed new roles at MTV.
Kristin Frank, formerly EVP, Connected Content for MTV and VH1, will take on an expanded role as EVP, Strategy, Revenue & Operations.
“Kristin is forward-thinking, her command of the media landscape is unrivaled, and she’ll be critical in ensuring that we are building the near-term strength of our business while continually investing in our future,” said Atkins.
Erik Flannigan, formerly EVP, Viacom’s Music & Entertainment Group, will join MTV full time in the newly created roll of EVP, Music/Events Strategy & Development, as the network continues its expansion of music-based programming.
Atkins continued, “As MTV strengthens its connection to music with new series and events, Erik’s strong creative sensibility, his talent for forging innovative partnerships, and his nuanced understanding of how our audience consumes music will lead the way.”