ViacomCBS & Fox Searchlight alum joins Audible as head of studios

Zola Mashariki

Amazon-owned podcast firm Audible has appointed former Viacom and Fox Searchlight exec Zola Mashariki as head of its studio division.

Mashariki will lead the creation of all original content from conception through release and is based out of LA, reporting to Rachel Ghiazza, EVP & head of US content.

Her remit includes oversight of the entire studio operation including the development and implementation of content strategy.

Mashariki previously worked in film and TV for two decades, including 15 years at Fox Searchlight Pictures (now Searchlight Pictures) where she was SVP of production. Her credits included The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel starring Judi Dench and The Secret Life Of Bees.

She was appointed head of original programming at ViacomCBS-owned BET in 2015, where she led the creative team and oversaw programming for both BET and Centric Networks, and was most recently chief content officer for One Community (fka Good Films), working on 2020 release Just Mercy.

“Audible is in the business of fearlessly creating unparalleled audio experiences that showcase the best in storytelling. With Zola, a profoundly gifted executive, we are poised to conquer this important moment in audio – a pivotal time when creativity and originality are at a premium and we deepen our commitment to reimagine what audio experiences can mean for audiences,” said Ghiazza.

“Her incomparable talent and industry relationships and leadership chops will be pivotal as we continue to break boundaries and accelerate the audio revolution.”