BET Names Scott M. Mills President, Debra Lee Remains As Chairman/CEO

Mills & Lee (BET/Rex/ Shutterstock)

BET has named SCOTT M. MILLS the new President, with DEBRA LEE staying on as Chairman/CEO. MILLS will take over the day-to-day responsibilities at BET, with LEE focusing on relationships with external stakeholders and communities. MICHAEL ARMSTRONG remains GM, reporting to MILLS.  

Commented VIACOM President/CEO BOB BAKISH, “In her two decades at the helm of BET Networks, DEBRA has built BET into a truly global entertainment powerhouse, bringing this dominant AFRICAN AMERICAN brand to more than 60 countries and 125 million households. Her vision and leadership, unmatched intuition for what audiences want, and ability to attract and foster top talent – both behind and in front of the camera – have been pivotal to this success. We’re grateful that we will continue to benefit from DEBRA's experience and insights. SCOTT is a proven leader who has made exceptional contributions to VIACOM and BET for more than 20 years. His strong relationships across the industry – which were instrumental in securing our recent cross-house deal with TYLER PERRY – as well as his track record of success initiating innovative creative ventures, including BET EXPERIENCE, make him the right person for this role, as we continue to extend this brand across platforms and markets around the world.”

MILLS is currently VIACOM's EVP/Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing human resources, real estate, facilities, and security. Previously, he served as President/COO for BET NETWORKS, leading its business functions, as well as launching what is now BET HER and mobile and digital video distribution operations.

Said LEE, “Today, BET is thriving as the #1 network for AFRICAN AMERICAN audiences, and we continue to see strong growth in ratings, share and social engagement. I have spent more than 20 years leading this incredible enterprise and I am so proud of the BET team and all that we have accomplished. As I look to the future, I believe it is the right time to take a step back from day-to-day responsibilities at BET.  I look forward to working closely with SCOTT, MICHAEL, our many talented people – and very importantly, BET’s communities and external stakeholders.”

VIACOM's BAKISH has made several key personnel changes since taking the reins last DECEMBER, including at VH1 and COMEDY CENTRAL, while set to rebrand SPIKE TV as the PARAMOUNT NETWORK early next year. 

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