Paul Ricci, MTV senior vice president for Development, will be joining VH1 as its new senior vice president, head of Alternative Programming and Development, the network announced today.
“VH1 has a legacy of creating hits that define pop culture,” said Ricci. “I’m grateful and eager for the opportunity to continue that tradition and seize on the momentum that Chris, Nina and the VH1 team have created.”
Ricci will oversee all comedy, studio-based and topical series and will report to Nina L. Diaz, who was recently promoted to EVP and head of Reality Programming and Development.
“I am excited to have Paul join the VH1 family to lead our new Alternative Programing group” said Diaz. “Paul has a sharp comedic sense and the amazing ability to translate cultural zeitgeist into innovative programming.”
Prior to his role at sister network MTV, Ricci was head of Development for MTV2. Under his leadership, the channel launched nine of the 10 highest-rated series in the network’s 20-year history.
His notable accomplishments include some of MTV’s most popular series including “Guy Code,” “Girl Code,” “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out” and “Hip Hop Squares.”
“Paul is a gifted and well respected executive with a deep knowledge of formats and a keen eye for talent,” said VH1 president Chris McCarthy.
“VH1 has a legacy of creating hits that define pop culture,” said Ricci. “I’m grateful and eager for the opportunity to continue that tradition and seize on the momentum that Chris, Nina and the VH1 team have created.”