Sean Atkins has been appointed president of MTV, overseeing all creative and business operations for the youth entertainment brand and its sister networks, MTV2 and mtvU.
He will report to Doug Herzog, president of the Viacom Music and Entertainment Group, while MTV’s programming co-heads, Mina Lefevre, executive VP and head of scripted development; and Lauren Dolgen, head of reality programming and executive VP of series development, will report directly to Atkins.
Commenting on the appointment, Herzog said: “Sean is smart, creative, passionate, and remarkably energised about the sea change at hand in our industry.
“The strength of MTV lies in its ability to constantly reinvent, and Sean’s forward-thinking, versatile leadership will ensure our brand and business continue to evolve and deliver for our audience”.
Atkins joins MTV from Discovery Communications, where he most recently served as general manager & executive VP of digital media and strategy.
Prior to joining the Digital Media team, Atkins ran the West Coast for Discovery Studios, Discovery Communications’ full-service production studio that develops and produces original programming.
Atkins joined Discovery Communications from HBO where he was senior vice president of digital media.
Befoere that, he held positions at Yahoo! Entertainment, Vulcan Programming, Warner Bros., Mediaconnex and Disney, where he started his career.