MTV Senior Vice President for Development, Paul Ricci, will soon join VH1 as its new senior Vice President, Head of Alternative Programming and Development.“VH1 has a legacy of creating hits that define pop culture,” said Ricci. “I’m grateful and eager for the opportunity to continue that tradition and seize on the momentum that Chris, Nina, and the VH1 team have created.”
The New York-based executive, set to start this month will report to Nina L. Diaz, who was recently elevated to EVP and Head of Reality Programming and Development. He will oversee all comedy, studio-based and topical series.
The move derives from a VH1’s reality/alternative operations under President Chris McCarthy.The network’s previous setup was by geography, with leaders residing on the East Coast and West Coastpushign forth the efforts. “I am excited to have Paul join the VH1 family to lead our new Alternative Programing group” said Diaz. “Paul has a sharp comedic sense and the amazing ability to translate cultural zeitgeist into innovative programming.”
Prior to his role at sister network MTV, Ricci was head of Development for MTV2. Under his leadership, the channel launched nine of the 10 highest-rated series in the network’s 2-decade history. "Paul is a gifted and well-respected executive with a deep knowledge of formats and a keen eye for talent,” said VH1 president Chris McCarthy.