CBS rejigged as Geller exits

CBS in the US has shaken up its entertainment division, replacing outgoing president Glenn Geller with a veteran executive and drafting in Thom Sherman from The CW.

Glenn Geller

Geller, who reportedly suffered a mild heart attack in March, is stepping down after two years in the role and is in discussions over a production deal with CBS Television Studios.

He is being replaced with immediate effect by Kelly Kahl, a 20-year veteran of the broadcaster who has worked on shows including Survivor, CSI and The Good Wife. Kahl was most recently senior exec VP for CBS primetime and reports to Leslie Moonves, chairman and CEO at CBS Corp in his new role.

His remit includes oversight of all entertainment matters including marketing and promotion, digital and interactive, diversity, publicity, research and scheduling. Kahl also has scheduling oversight for The CW, CBS’s joint venture with Warner Bros Entertainment.

Sherman, who was exec VP responsible for the development and oversight of The CW’s primetime programming, takes up his role as senior exec VP of programming at CBS Entertainment this week, reporting to Kahl.

Thom Sherman

The former Bad Robot Productions and ABC exec will oversee creative affairs for all entertainment shows including comedy, drama, alternative and late-night, as well as current programming and casting.

Moonves, who has worked with Kahl since meeting at US prodco Lorimar almost three decades ago, said the “dynamic, talented and very experienced executive team” would “lead a division that will create the next generation of hits for CBS.”

He added that Kahl brings a “brilliant programming mind, sharp business acumen and great analytical skills for our evolving television audience.”

Moonves said Sherman had “strong relationships across the community, a deft creative touch and a desire for making shows that create a passionate bond with the audience.”

Details about Geller’s deal have not been revealed but Moonves said he was “looking forward to working with him in his new role.”