Alec Botnick has been named president of Nickelodeon Animation Studios, according to a memo obtained by Variety from Paramount TV media chairman George Cheeks.
Botnick, a longtime CBS executive, will lead the studio into its next chapter while continuing in his current role as CBS Studios’ executive vice president of comedy development, alternative and animation.
As head of Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Botnick will help the studio reinvent its approach to reaching preschoolers and evolve into a multi-platform brand. He will also be in charge of Nickelodeon’s unscripted categories, including the Kids’ Choice Awards. Of course, he will oversee the development of new TV series while overseeing Nick’s most important series, including “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Paw Patrol.”
During his time at CBS, Botnick has helped develop scripted series such as “Ghosts,” the upcoming vampire comedy “Eternally Yours” and Paramount+’s Australian comedy “Colin From Accounts.” He will continue to develop scripted comedies and alternative titles for CBS Studios while retaining oversight of animation development across the CBS, Comedy Central and MTV brands.
In more executive news, Ashley Kaplan, formerly Nickelodeon’s vice president of unscripted and digital franchises, will move into a consulting role and support the television media division with special projects through the end of the year. and Jules Bokent, executive vice president of global commercial partnerships and operations, will continue to oversee business and strategy for Nickelodeon Kids & Family.
Read the full memo below.
team,
We are pleased to announce that Alec Botnick has been named President of Nickelodeon Animation Studios. Alec will continue in his current role as Vice President of Comedy Development, Alternative and Animation for CBS Studios as he leads Nickelodeon Animation Studios into its next chapter. Like BET Studios, Nickelodeon Animation Studios will operate as its own television label within CBS Studios.
At Nickelodeon, Alec will oversee the animation studio and its evolution across digital, television and streaming as we reimagine the way we interact with kids and families today. Alec’s leadership will be essential in shaping the next steps for Nickelodeon as we reinvent the way we reach preschoolers and evolve into a truly multi-platform brand, starting where discovery happens first. He will also lead Nickelodeon’s unscripted television programming, including the Kids’ Choice Awards, guide the development of new series, oversee long-running hits and ensure Nickelodeon remains home to some of the world’s most iconic children’s series, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and PAW Patrol.
Alec will continue to develop scripted comedies and alternative projects for CBS Studios, as well as retain oversight of animation development across CBS, Comedy Central, and MTV brands for owned and third-party platforms. Some of the series and projects that Alec has helped develop include CBS’ GHOSTS and ETERNALLY YOURS, Paramount+’s critically acclaimed Australian comedy COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS, and Prime Video’s animated series Odd Jobs.
I also wanted to let you know that Ashley Kaplan will be moving into a consulting role starting Monday. In this capacity, she will support the TV media department with special projects until the end of the year. We thank Ashley for her many years of leadership and appreciate her continued partnership.
Jules Bokent, executive vice president of global commercial partnerships and operations, will continue to oversee Nickelodeon Kids & Family’s business and strategy and work with Alec and other key stakeholders to maximize the Nick brand.
Let’s join in congratulating Alec on this well-deserved role. We’re excited about what’s next as we continue to build Nickelodeon’s next chapter.
all the best,
george
