MLB's Jacqueline Parks to Head MTV's Marketing

05.05.2016

MLB's Jacqueline Parkes is MTV's new EVP of marketing and creative, while Lifetime's Eli Lehrer will oversee MTV2.

"Jacqueline is a bona fide game-changer whose transformational brand leadership and fan engagement bridged pro baseball's storied past with its innovative future," Atkins said in a statement. "Her vision and experience will be invaluable as we reinvigorate MTV.

"Eli is one of the sharpest, most versatile and well-respected creative executives in the business. We're thrilled to give him a homecoming to Viacom and a great canvas for his talents at MTV2.

In other exec moves at the Viacom-owned networks, Kristen Frank is moving over to be EVP, strategy, revenue and operations while Erik Flannigan takes on a new role as EVP, music/events strategy and development.

"Kristin is forward-thinking, her command of the media landscape is unrivalled, and she'll be critical in ensuring that we are building the near-term strength of our business while continually investing in our future. As MTV strengthens its connection to music with new series and events, Erik's strong creative sensibility, his talent for forging innovative partnerships, and his nuanced understanding of how our audience consumes music will lead the way," Atkins said.

All four executives will report directly to Atkins, with Flannigan also working on MTV's development team and reporting to Michael Klein, EVP original content.

During her tenure at Major League Baseball, Parkes became the first female CMO in professional sports. She worked for the league for 21 years before departing on April 6. At MTV, she'll oversee multi-platform marketing efforts at MTV, MTV2, MTVU, MTV Digital, MTV Live and MTV News.

MTV's last head of marketing was Tina Exharos, who departed last October.

At MTV2, Lehrer will oversee the brand and creative. Lehrer had served as Lifetime's SVP and head of nonfiction since 2013.

READ MORE: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter