Paramount rejigs as Showtime’s David Nevins steps down after 12 years

David Nevins

Veteran exec David Nevins, who oversees scripted series for Paramount+ as chairman and CEO of Paramount Premium Group, is leaving the company in the latest reshuffle at the US studio.

Nevins took on the expanded role last year but is now set to depart at the end of year, with his next move not yet known. He said in a note to staff that “over the past several months I’ve come to the conclusion that I am ready for the next phase of my life and my career.”

Yellowjackets

His exit comes alongside a reshuffle at Paramount, with responsibility for Showtime now coming under Chris McCarthy, who leads Paramount Media Networks.

Showtime’s streaming operations will become part of Paramount Streaming, which is overseen by Tom Ryan. George Cheeks, CEO & president at CBS, will take on Nevins’ former remit involving BET and Paramount Television Studios.

‘New chapter’

In a memo to staff, Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish spoke of a “new chapter” and thanked Nevins for his 12 years with the company. The exec initially joined Showtime in 2020 as president of entertainment, before rising the ranks and taking on his most recent role last year.

His exit to some extent simplifies the commissioning structure at Paramount, with multiple execs having a say on greenlights for streamer Paramount+.

Recent hits during Nevins’ tenure include Yellowjackets and Halo, while he struck gold early on with Homeland, the US adaptation of Israeli series, Hatufim. Nevins recently spoke at the Edinburgh TV Festival, where he admitted that spending on TV drama is in “corrective mode”.

It is the latest senior departure at Paramount, whose president of international studios, streaming & networks in Southern Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa left the company earlier this week.

JC Acosta’s departure came three months after the exit of Raffaele Annecchino, who has since been replaced by Pamela Kaufman.