Scott Koondel to Step Down as CBS’ Chief Corporate Content Licensing Officer

Longtime exec strikes production-distribution deal with CBS Corp

Scott Koondel is exiting his post as CBS’ chief corporate content licensing officer. The longtime network exec will transition to a new role, with a production-distribution deal in partnership with CBS Corp.

Koondel’s new venture will package, produce and license programming for broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. He will also advise media companies on M&A initiatives and business strategies for licensing to MVPDs (multichannel video programming distributor) and direct-to-consumer services.

Koondel’s company will be based at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, California, under a first-look deal with CBS.

During his tenure with CBS, Koondel has led licensing deals for The CW with Netflix and Hulu, which are credited with stabilizing the financial foundation for the network, which is a joint venture between CBS and Warner Bros. Koondel was instrumental in setting up the financial model for CBS TV Studios’ summer programming including “Under the Dome,” which saw episodes become available on Amazon Prime just a few days after their on-air broadcast. He also helped steer two popular “Late Late Show” segments, “Carpool Karaoke” and “Drop the Mic,” into their own standalone series on Apple and TBS, respectively.

“I am proud of what we have been able to achieve during my 25 years at CBS and Paramount,” said Koondel. “As I look to the future, I am excited to have the opportunity to pursue something more entrepreneurial, with the freedom and flexibility to cast a wider net within the industry. I am grateful that this venture will allow me to combine my passions for content creation, distribution and exploitation in a new and dynamic way. Through the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many talented executives at CBS, and it’s a privilege to maintain these relationships as I launch my venture on the historic CBS Radford lot.”

Koondel has served as CBS’ Chief Content Licensing Officer since 2012. Previously, that he was President of Distribution for CBS Television. Before coming to CBS, Koondel oversaw distribution for Paramount Pictures.

“Scott has a passion for quality programming and licensing television content in creative ways,” said Joe Ianniello, president and acting CEO, CBS Corporation. “He brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the distribution business that has greatly benefitted CBS and its programming for more than a decade. We thank him for these accomplishments and wish him much continued success as he launches his new venture.”

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