Viacom tweaks BET leadership

BET Networks in the US has rejigged its senior leadership team, with its president making way for an exec from parent company Viacom.

Scott M Mills has taken over day-to-day leadership responsibilities from long-serving president Debra L Lee, who will remain chairman and CEO of the African American-skewing brand.

Lee, who has been at the helm for more than two decades, will now focus on BET’s relationships with external partners and will also advise Mills in his new position.

Mills takes up the reins having served as exec VP and chief administrative officer at Viacom, and will oversee leadership tasks spanning programming, ad sales and digital. He is well versed with BET having previously worked as president and chief operating officer at the network.

Additionally, Michael Armstrong will continue in his role as general manager at BET and will report to Mills.

Viacom president and CEO Bob Bakish said Lee had built a “global entertainment powerhouse” at BET, bringing “this dominant African American brand to more than 60 countries and 125 million households.”

He added: “Her vision and leadership, unmatched intuition for what audiences want and ability to attract and foster top talent – both behind and in front of the camera – have been pivotal to this success. We’re grateful that we will continue to benefit from Debi’s experience and insights.”