MTV names president, Friedman exits

US channel MTV has appointed a former Discovery executive as its new president, following the departure of Stephen Friedman.

Sean Atkins

Sean Atkins joins from Discovery Communications, where he was general manager and exec VP of digital media and strategy.

His appointment comes after Friedman, who became MTV president in 2008, yesterday announced to staff members he was leaving the network to return to pro-social campaign work.

“After 18 years, including seven at the helm of MTV, it reminds me of what originally inspired me to work here,” Friedman wrote in his email to staff. “When I was hired to create the pro-social department, I was told, ‘Your job will be to use MTV’s superpowers for good.’”

Atkins will now oversee all creative and business operations for MTV and sister networks MTV2 and mtvU, reporting to Doug Herzog, president of Viacom Music and Entertainment Group.

Stephen Friedman

“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,” said Herzog.

MTV’s programming co-heads Mina Lefevre and Lauren Dolgen, who succeeded MTV programming president Susanne Daniels, will now report to Atkins.

Atkins originally joined Discovery Communications from HBO where, as senior VP of digital media, he helped build the platform that ultimately became HBOGo.