Brian Rikuda is the Executive Vice President of Enterprise Growth Strategy, Business Operations, and Programming Strategy of BET Media Group, the world’s largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture.

Rikuda leads BET’s Enterprise and Business group which is responsible for developing strategic and operating plans to drive the continued growth of BET’s powerful portfolio of segment-leading content offerings and consumer platforms. Rikuda is responsible for leading performance and cost assessment to optimize operations, identifying new business opportunities, and driving material business growth for the BET brand.

Brian Rikuda joined BET with two decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience utilizing business strategy and solutions to drive growth, with a proven track record of identifying new business opportunities that yield exponential growth in media and technology. Rikuda previously served as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he helped clients implement new business and go-to-market strategies within the firm’s Tech, Media, and Telecom practice, specializing in scaling rapid growth for clients. In addition to his client work, he co-led the McKinsey Black Network and helped drive research on topics of Black economic mobility, including the Firm’s latest report on Black consumers and racial equity.

Native of San Diego, California, Brian Rikuda received his Bachelor of Science in economics and political science from Stanford University. Brian later obtained his Master’s in Business Administration from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining McKinsey and Company, Brian founded and operated a Hip-Hop record label and a cloud-based software app development company.

His current role represents his "welcome home" to BET, with him being a member of the BET family since 2005, when he won the BET reality show The Ultimate Hustler, a business and entrepreneurial competitive reality series a la "The Apprentice," starring Roc A Fella Record’s co-founder Damon Dash.

Constance M. Orlando is an award-winning media executive recently named Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, a unit of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation. A pop culture visionary, Ms. Orlando oversees all genres of original programming, including scripted offerings “The Quad,” “Being Mary Jane,” and specials including, Black Girls Rock! and ratings juggernaut BET Awards. Ms. Orlando also leads the BET News department, overseeing critically acclaimed specials on Ferguson and Baltimore. She also ushered BET into the documentary space with BET Truth Series, which in its inaugural year produced award-winning projects Katrina 10 Years Later, Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champ and Stay Woke.

Ms. Orlando previous roles with BET include Senior Vice President of Specials, Music Programming and News, and VP of Original Programming. Ms. Orlando was part of the network’s largest expansion into original programming in its history. Her ability to lead, inspire and create hits resulted in a list of accomplishments including BET Presents: Love & Happiness, an Obama Celebration, Sunday Best, TD Jakes Presents: Mind, Body, & Soul, The Steve Harvey Project, Monica: Still Standing and scripted series The Game, which scored record-breaking ratings.

Ms. Orlando is Executive Producer of all tentpole events, including the BET Awards, the #1 program in cable television history among AA viewers and a top 10 awards show on television amongst total viewers. 

Prior to joining BET Networks, the Syracuse University graduate ran her own full service production company, CMO Productions, Inc. While running CMO, Orlando served as Executive Producer of award-winning director Hype Williams’ Big Dog Films. Among CMO’s crowning triumphs was a partnership with music icon and businessman Jay-Z to produce the first of its kind, direct-to-video movie soundtrack The Streets Is Watching.

Outside of work, Orlando is passionate about advocating for and providing support to women and children in need, so in 1998 she launched a non-profit foundation, ‘Just The Girls’. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Clark Atlanta University’s TV department as the Programming Committee Chair. Orlando accolades include NAMIC’s “Top 40 Under 40”. Her work has earned her nine NAACP Image Awards (“The Mo’Nique Show” 2010, “Sunday Best” 2011, “Black Girls Rock!” 2012/2013/2014/2016, “The Game” 2012, "Ali: The People’s Champ" 2015, and Love & Happiness: an Obama celebration 2016), and five NAMIC Vision Awards (“Black Girls Rock!”).

Jason Harvey is the EVP and General Manager of BET+, the leading streaming video-on-demand (SVOD) service dedicated to Black storytelling. At the intersection of entertainment and technology, Jason spearheads BET+’s strategic vision, product direction, content programming, business operations, and revenue expansion. Under his innovative leadership, BET+ has experienced rapid market penetration and sustained double-digit growth, distinguished by its captivating content and pioneering use of AI and machine learning to enhance user experiences, optimize video curation, and deliver highly personalized content discovery. 

With extensive multinational executive experience, Jason has crafted successful go-to-market strategies leveraging data-driven insights and technology-driven solutions for global corporations including Google, Microsoft, eBay, Ford Motor Company, and AT&T. His proficiency at managing international P&Ls across the U.S. and Latin America demonstrates his ability to navigate complex financial environments, international regulations, and fluctuating economic landscapes, consistently achieving substantial growth for Fortune 100 companies.

Beyond his executive roles, Jason is deeply committed to mentorship and advocacy for diversity within the media and technology industries, creating pathways and opportunities for underrepresented professionals. His entrepreneurial spirit is further showcased through his children’s book series, “Sammy Startup,” designed to inspire young minds in entrepreneurship. Jason’s global perspective was shaped early on as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador, complemented by fluency in Spanish and Portuguese.

Nadja Webb is Executive Vice President, Programming Business Operations for BET 
Networks. In this role she handles strategic operations for the programming groups for all of the 
BET platforms including linear, digital, BET’s direct-to-consumer OTT platform, BET+ and 
BET Studios. In addition, Nadja has a creative role leading BET’s Scripted Programming 
functions, including Development, Casting, and Current for those platforms. She also manages 
Physical Production, Business and Legal Affairs for BETN, as well as oversees the global Music 
Strategy team and music businesses across the Paramount Global cable channels.

Immediately preceding this role, Nadja was Executive Vice President & Deputy General 
Counsel, Programming Operations, and Business and Legal Affairs for BET, where she oversaw 
all Programming Operations functions in support of the Scripted, Unscripted, and Music & 
Specials Programming business units, and all Business and Legal Affairs for BET.

Nadja has extensive transactional experience across multiple media platforms including, 
television, music and digital. Her expertise is in structuring and negotiating complex deals, 
analyzing risks and developing creative solutions to business challenges. She was named one of 
The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 20 Dealmakers of 2019 for her work with BET.

Nadja previously held various roles within legacy Viacom Media Networks, most recently as 
Senior Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, overseeing the BALA team that supported 
MTV, MTV2, mtvU, VH1, Logo, CMT, and BET.

Prior to joining Paramount Global, Nadja was Senior Counsel at Atlantic Recording Corporation, 
Counsel at Sony Music Entertainment Inc. and an Associate at the law firm of Weil, Gotshal & 
Manges. She received a law degree from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from 
Wesleyan University

Orchid Richardson is Senior Vice President of BET Digital & Social, where she leads the brand's digital transformation, revenue growth, and innovation across all digital platforms. With over 15 years of experience spanning traditional media companies, digital-first organizations, and global ad tech platforms, Orchid has established herself as a strategic leader who excels at building high-performing teams, streamlining operations, and driving measurable business results.

Throughout her career, Orchid has developed deep expertise across the entire digital ecosystem. She began her digital career at Singer Direct, Inc., an Omnicom Media Group company, before joining Everyday Health to drive subscriptions across multiple health and fitness websites. In these early roles, she mastered ad operations management, established SLAs, implemented QA standards, and set campaign-optimization goals that would become foundational to her leadership approach.

At BET Networks, Orchid successfully integrated BET.com operations into Viacom's technical platforms following the acquisition, implementing Sarbanes-Oxley standards to recognize all digital media revenue. She spearheaded the launch of two BET mobile apps, CentricTV.com, BET's video-on-demand platform, and a BET ad network comprising 287 online publishers. Managing four cross-functional teams, she partnered with global brands including McDonald's, Nike, and Nissan to develop integrated marketing plans leveraging BET Networks' full portfolio of assets.

Orchid joined Hearst Magazines Digital Media to lead Digital Business Operations for 25 magazine brand sites and all digital extensions. Her strategic vision led her to architect the Hearst Programmatic Audience Exchange, consolidating audience data from Magazines, Newspapers, and TV segments onto one unified platform. She also restructured operating processes to support Hearst's acquisition of Hachette Filipacchi, achieving a 15% revenue increase while reducing operating costs by 32% through system upgrades, contract renegotiations, and strategic team optimization.

At 33Across, Inc., Orchid joined as VP of Media Operations and was promoted to General Manager within her first year. She led global business strategy and development, overseeing the integration of the 33Across Real Platform with over 250 demand partners and launching operations in 12 countries across EMEA, LATAM, and North America. Managing a cross-functional team of 40 people across three countries, she developed the product suite that catalyzed the company's pivot into programmatic advertising.

Orchid's leadership philosophy centers on motivating and cultivating talent through sound strategic planning and organizational development. She understands how to navigate and grow global organizations while standardizing business processes across regions without diminishing local market nuances. Her ability to identify marketplace changes, create comprehensive data-driven business strategies, and build the right teams to execute has enabled her to launch new revenue streams that significantly shifted the strategic direction of multiple organizations.

A graduate of Spelman College with a degree in Business Administration & International Business, Orchid also holds an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business and completed the Harvard Business School Executive Leadership Program. She serves as President of the Metro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, demonstrating her commitment to leadership both within and beyond the business world.

A 30-year media professional started his career at ABC in the early 80’s before moving on to CBS in the early 90’s in network sales. Raymond began his career at BET in 1992, he has been in charge of research, analysis, planning and digital sales at various times in his career. He has been one of the key players in majority of the growth of BET, BETher, BET Jams, BET Soul and BET.com. New York YMCA Chapter (Present Board Member), Louis Carr Foundation (Present Board Member), IRTS Foundation (Present Board Member), Riesenbach Foundation (Present Board Member), Manhattan Valley Townhouses (Past President), US Congress Award Board (Past Board Member), University West Indies Foundation (Past Board Member).

For over two decades, Tiyale Hayes has been an integral part of some of the world's most prominent brands, infusing a fervor for authentic inclusion and empathy into the art of brand building.
 
A graduate of Hampton University, Tiyale started his career in sales at Johnson & Johnson, where he honed his business acumen from the “store shelf up”. Armed with insights into consumer behavior gained from learning the fundamentals of how consumers shopped, he earned an MBA in Marketing from Purdue University, setting the stage for an impactful career.
Tiyale's love for consumer understanding led him to the Consumer Insights and Global Innovation groups at Procter & Gamble. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in creating insights that fueled business-winning ideas for iconic brands such as Folgers, Pringles, Crest, Gillette, and Old Spice. He also contributed to the creation of new strategies that championed inclusivity, ensuring all consumers felt meaningful brand connections.

Returning to Johnson & Johnson, Tiyale spearheaded global insight development for various brands, including Tylenol, Motrin, Listerine, and several Rx to OTC Switch initiatives. His global travels, engaging with consumers, reinforced his commitment to always incorporate the human experience into the business plan.
 
In 2016, BET Networks welcomed Tiyale to lead their insights group, where he played a key role in developing insights for the BET brand and new show initiatives and collaborating with companies seeking authentic engagement within the Black consumer base.
 
Recognizing his distinct leadership capabilities, Tiyale was appointed to lead the BET  Marketing team in 2020. In this capacity, he steered the marketing strategy for hit BET shows like Tyler Perry's Sistas and The Oval, Twenties, and the BET Awards. Additionally, he oversaw the cross-network brand strategy, ensuring all divisions live within the overarching brand purpose.

In 2023, Tiyale was promoted to Executive Vice President of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics, where he led the integration of data and analytics across BET Media Group’s platforms, including BET, VH1, BET+, and BET Digital. In 2025, he returned to his marketing roots in an expanded role as EVP of Marketing and Audience Development for Paramount Television, overseeing BET, MTV, VH1, and CMT.
 
A sought-after speaker, Tiyale shares his expertise on creating consumer-centric strategies, effecting cultural transformation through fandom, and delivering value for African Americans, Millennials, and LGBTQ+ populations.

 
His multifaceted contributions underscore a dedication to achieving both professional excellence and meaningful societal impact. His endeavors have garnered well-deserved recognition from his industry peers, with a standout achievement of being awarded the prestigious Clio award BET Black Canvas Mural Project.

Going beyond his professional commitments, Tiyale plays an active role in the community, holding a Board position with the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. and being an avid supporter of Live Out Loud, a New York City-based non-profit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

October 2025

George Cheeks is the chair of TV Media at Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, where he oversees a wide range of broadcast, cable and production businesses. His portfolio includes all CBS-branded properties – such as the CBS Television Network, News, Television Stations, Sports, CBS Media Ventures and CBS Studios – as well as BET Studios, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, See It Now Studios and Paramount Media Networks, home to iconic brands such as MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET. 

George was previously the co-CEO of Paramount Global, as well as president and CEO of CBS. Since joining Paramount in March 2020, George has helped transform the CBS brand from a singular broadcast network to a global content provider for broadcast and streaming. Under George’s leadership, CBS has continued its reign as America’s Most-Watched Network, a streak that has reached an industry-record 17 consecutive seasons, while adding new hit programs such as TRACKER, FIRE COUNTRY, GHOSTS and MATLOCK that drive audiences for both CBS and Paramount+. George has also overseen the expansion of CBS Sports programming on Paramount+, while extending CBS News content to both Paramount+ and Pluto TV. 

George has been an innovative business and creative force in the television industry for more than 30 years, which includes senior leadership roles at NBC and Viacom Music and Entertainment Groups. He served more than seven years at NBCUniversal in senior executive positions that spanned creative, business and operational roles, including co-chairman of NBC Entertainment, where he oversaw primetime, late-night and scripted daytime programming for the network. 

George started his career in 1992 as an entertainment associate at Loeb & Loeb. He moved to Castle Rock Entertainment as senior counsel, business and legal affairs in 1995 before joining the boutique entertainment firm of Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren & Richman in Beverly Hills as an entertainment attorney. 

George holds an undergraduate degree from Yale University, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and received a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School, graduating cum laude. 

November 2025

Allison Brightman serves as executive vice president and co-head of business affairs for TV Media.

Brightman, who originally joined CBS in 2006, was promoted to executive vice president and co-head alongside Jeeun Kim in 2020. In 2025, her responsibilities expanded to include business affairs oversight for Paramount’s TV Media division, which includes all CBS-branded properties such as the CBS Television Network, News, Television Stations, Sports, CBS Media Ventures and CBS Studios – as well as BET Studios, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, See It Now Studios and Paramount Media Networks, home to iconic brands like MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET.

In her position, Brightman leads a business operation that supports the most-watched broadcast network in primetime, daytime and late night, and one of the world’s leading studios, supplying entertainment programming for broadcast, cable networks, streaming services and other emerging platforms. Brightman oversees all “above-the-line” deals, and under her leadership, the business affairs team has spearheaded 563 projects, term deals and series for over 30 broadcasters and streamers, domestically and internationally. This includes numerous high-profile titles for Paramount+ such as the original movie event STAR TREK: SECTION 31 starring Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh and global series STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY, as well as shows for Netflix, Roku, Apple TV+ and other third-party streaming partners. Brightman also oversaw all aspects of the NCIS: SYDNEY deal, the first international expansion of the world’s #1 TV franchise. She not only helped launch a new global series but set groundwork for more co-productions with international partners.

Brightman has been with the Company for nearly two decades, ascending in increasingly senior business affairs roles. She previously worked as senior legal counsel at HBO since 1998. Brightman earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley and her law degree from the USC Gould School of Law. She served as president of the board of directors of Disability Rights California for over eight years and continues to actively advocate on behalf of people with disabilities.

October 2025

Chris Ender oversees communications across TV Media at Paramount, a Skydance Corporation.  

In this role, Ender oversees all external and internal communications and media relations for a wide range of broadcast, cable and production businesses. This includes all CBS-branded properties such as CBS Television Network, News, Television Stations, Sports, CBS Media Ventures and CBS Studios – as well as BET Studios, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, See It Now Studios and Paramount Media Networks, home to iconic brands like MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET. Ender leads a bi-coastal team that develops leading-edge communication strategies for these brands, platforms and studios in a dynamic media environment.  

Ender previously served as executive vice president and head of communications for CBS, a role he held since 2020.  

Ender joined CBS in 1996 as vice president of media relations for CBS Entertainment. During his tenure, he crafted communications strategies as CBS transformed from a singular broadcasting company into one of the world’s leading multiplatform content creators. He oversaw launch campaigns for shows that have built CBS into America’s Most-Watched Network and created the CBS Studios PR department, which supports a roster of nearly 50 series.  

He began his career as an account executive at Bender, Goldman & Helper public relations before later serving as vice president of media relations for Sony Pictures Television. 

Ender is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in journalism. 

November 2025

Jeffrey Gerttula is executive vice president and head of digital for Paramount’s TV Media division.

Gerttula joined CBS Sports in 2009 as vice president of programming for CBSSports.com, and quickly rose to senior vice president and general manager of digital for CBS Sports. He was named executive vice president for CBS Sports digital in January 2018, and in May 2022 his role expanded to oversee the integration of digital and streaming properties with CBS News and Stations. In 2025, his role expanded again to include all of Paramount’s TV Media division, which includes all CBS-branded properties such as the CBS Television Network, News, Television Stations, Sports, CBS Media Ventures and CBS Studios – as well as BET Studios, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, See It Now Studios and Paramount Media Networks, home to iconic brands like MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET.

Gerttula leads the media business, content strategy, product, design and engineering for all digital properties under the TV Media group. This includes all CBS’ digital properties, which include CBSSports.com, CBS Sports mobile and TV apps, CBS Sports HQ, CBS Sports Golazo Network, CBS Sports Fantasy, SportsLine, 247Sports, CBSNews.com, CBS News mobile and TV apps, CBSNews247, CBS Local Streaming, CBS.com, and CBS mobile and TV apps. He oversees management of these properties including live and on-demand video programming, editorial strategy, product, technology and design across all digital platforms. In conjunction with CBS Sports, Gerttula also supports the acquisition and strategy for exclusive live sports rights in the Paramount+ streaming service.

Under Gerttula’s leadership, CBS Sports digital has grown to reach more than 135 million monthly users, making it the second-largest sports group in the U.S. He also managed CBS Sports’ record-setting live streams of Super Bowl LVIII, Super Bowl LIII, Super Bowl 50 and Super Bowl XLVII on CBS Sports digital platforms.

During Gerttula’s tenure, CBS Sports and Paramount+ have become the leading destination for men’s and women’s soccer fans in the U.S., featuring more than 2,000 live matches each year across an extensive portfolio of soccer properties, including men’s and women’s UEFA club competitions, EFL, NWSL, Concacaf Men’s World Cup Qualifiers and Serie A. Gerttula helped CBS Sports secure a deal with UEFA to be the English-language home in the U.S. of the UEFA Champions League – the world’s most prestigious club soccer tournament – UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League beginning in 2020 through 2030. The 2022 UEFA Champions League final was the most-watched UEFA Champions League final in history for English-language coverage in the U.S., and Paramount+ registered its most-streamed soccer match ever.

Under Gerttula’s direction and development, CBS Sports Golazo Network launched in 2023 as a first-of-its-kind, always-on streaming network dedicated to global soccer coverage. The network features live matches, highlights, and studio shows serving the growing audience of U.S. based soccer fans.

Also under Gerttula’s direction and development, CBS Sports HQ launched in 2018 as an always-on streaming sports network offering fans new ways to digitally consume sports news and highlights like never before. The 24/7 digital network, easily accessible for free on connected devices, allows sports fans to watch full-day live, anchored coverage featuring game breakdowns and the day’s top sports storylines.

CBS Sports Fantasy is the #1 premium fantasy sports product and is also the home of the award-winning shows FANTASY FOOTBALL TODAY and FANTASY BASEBALL TODAY. These shows, along with COVER 3 and EYE ON COLLEGE BASKETBALL, lead CBS Sports’ multiplatform podcast network that has grown to become one of the largest in sports with more than 80 million downloads a year.

Gerttula also led the acquisitions of Scout and 247Sports, the industry leader in college football, college basketball and recruiting analysis, and under his direction CBS Sports’ award-winning, multiplatform podcast network has also grown to become one of sports’ largest.

Gerttula has won two Emmy Awards. In 2012, Gerttula won a Sports Emmy for Outstanding New Approaches Sports Programming for a 10-part web series ahead of the Showtime feature documentary A GAME OF HONOR on the student athletes participating in the Army-Navy football game. In 2024, Gerttula won a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Documentary Series – Serialized for a four-part documentary that premiered on Paramount+. FOOTBALL MUST GO ON follows the Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk during its 2022-23 UEFA Champions League season amidst the ongoing war with Russia.

Gerttula holds a BA in quantitative economics from Tufts University and an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

November 2025

Jeeun Kim co-leads a business affairs department that supports an industry-leading Studio that is currently producing more than 75 series across 15 platforms and is the most-watched broadcast Network. In her position, Kim is responsible for overseeing all development, license, co-production and “above-the-line” deals for the production of scripted and unscripted series and specials for the Network. In 2025, her responsibilities expanded to include business affairs oversight for Paramount’s TV Media division, which includes all CBS-branded properties such as the CBS Television Network, News, Television Stations, Sports, CBS Media Ventures and CBS Studios – as well as BET Studios, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, See It Now Studios and Paramount Media Networks, home to iconic brands like MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET.

Kim, who joined CBS in October 2020, previously served as director of business affairs (original series) for Netflix. She led a team of negotiators handling development, production and license deals for scripted development projects and series.

Prior to that Kim spent 16 years at NBCUniversal in increasingly senior roles for its various divisions, including NBC Network, USA, Syfy, Universal Cable Productions and Universal Television. From 2015-2018, she was senior vice president of business affairs; vice president, of business affairs from 2007; vice president of legal affairs since 2006; and held senior legal counsel positions since 2002. Kim began her career as a lawyer, serving as an associate in the corporate departments of Latham & Watkins in Los Angeles and Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker in New York.

Kim earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and her law degree from the Columbia University School of Law. She is a member of the bar in both California and New York.

October 2025

Bryon Rubin oversees all financial and business operations of the Company’s broadcast and cable television businesses. This includes production, business affairs and finance across all CBS-branded properties, such as CBS Television Network, News, Television Stations, Sports and CBS Studios – as well as BET Studios, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, See It Now Studios and Paramount Media Networks, home to iconic brands like MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET. In addition, Rubin oversees CBS Media Ventures, the company’s syndication business.

Rubin has been with Paramount for 26 years, serving in various roles. Most recently, Rubin was Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of CBS before expanding his remit to all of TV Media. Prior to that, Rubin served as Executive Vice President of corporate development for CBS with responsibility for company-wide strategy and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to that he was Chief Financial Officer of CBS Interactive.    

Prior to joining CBS, Rubin worked in investment banking and public accounting. He is a 1992 graduate of Lehigh University with a B.S. in accounting and a 1998 graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where he received an MBA in finance and strategic management. Bryon lives in Short Hills, N.J., with his wife, Jessica, son, Max, and daughter, Noa. 

November 2025

Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i leads content engagement and strategy, industry partnerships and talent development across Paramount’s TV Media division, which includes all CBS-branded properties such as the CBS Television Network, News, Television Stations, Sports, CBS Media Ventures and CBS Studios – as well as BET Studios, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, See It Now Studios and Paramount Media Networks, home to iconic brands like MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET. She also oversees the Company’s creative development programs, talent initiatives and outreach to agencies, coalitions, guilds and other key industry stakeholders. Smith-Anoa’i has been instrumental in shaping programs that strengthen the creative pipeline, deepen industry alliances and collaborate with executives across divisions.

Smith-Anoa’i first joined CBS Entertainment in 2000 as a senior publicist for primetime series and specials. She rose through successive roles where she created, designed and implemented programs that expanded executive development and contributed to the Company’s creative and operational growth.

Beyond her corporate role, Smith-Anoa’i is a dynamic speaker and advisor, often tapped for her expertise in media, culture and organizational strategy. She has served on numerous nonprofit and advisory boards, including The Hidden Opponent, ColorComm, BIG SUNDAY, Harness and the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Business Advisory Board. She also served as co-chair of the board of trustees for The Archer School for Girls. 

Smith-Anoa’i is a graduate of Howard University.

November 2025

Since assuming the role of president and chief marketing officer in 2019, Mike Benson has succeeded in keeping the CBS brand modern, fresh and relevant while leading all marketing activities for CBS content and business units across both linear and streaming platforms. In 2025, his responsibilities expanded to include marketing oversight for Paramount’s TV Media division, which includes all CBS-branded properties such as the CBS Television Network, News, Television Stations, Sports, CBS Media Ventures and CBS Studios – as well as BET Studios, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, See It Now Studios and Paramount Media Networks, home to iconic brands like MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET.

Benson articulates a clear brand vision through innovative marketing strategies that drive growth and engagement across TV Media at Paramount, a Skydance Corporation. Since his arrival, he and his team have launched hits including BOSTON BLUE, MATLOCK, TRACKER, THE EQUALIZER, GHOSTS, FIRE COUNTRY and NCIS: SYDNEY, while also stimulating growth for CBS legacy programs and franchises such as 60 MINUTES, SURVIVOR, CBS MORNINGS, THE PRICE IS RIGHT, NFL ON CBS and “Star Trek.”

Throughout his career, Benson has held leadership roles at some of the most influential media companies, including Amazon Studios, Time Warner and The Walt Disney Company. At every step, his work has been recognized for its creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

While head of marketing at Amazon Studios, he led marketing efforts for the company’s original content on Prime Video. His work earned numerous accolades, including Adweek’s Brand Genius and Grand Brand Genius Awards, 37 Clio Awards (including two Grand Clios), five Cannes Lions Awards and an Emmy nomination. As chief creative officer for the Time Warner Global Media Group, he executed a wide range of partnerships with brand marketers across the company’s portfolio, including HBO, Warner Bros., Time Inc. and Turner Networks. Benson also spent more than 12 years at The Walt Disney Company as executive vice president of marketing for the ABC Entertainment Group, where he created highly recognized marketing campaigns for hits such as “Modern Family,” “Lost,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “The Bachelor.”

Benson began his career at CBS, working in various roles at WCCO-TV in Minneapolis and KCBS-TV in Los Angeles before becoming senior vice president of promotion and program planning at VH1/MTV Networks.