Nickelodeon Animation Studios Transitions to CBS Studios with Alec Botnick as President and Ashley Kaplan Moving to Consulting Role
The integration of CBS and Paramount’s cable assets is in full swing under the leadership of George Cheeks, Chair of TV Media. Following the December establishment of BET Studios as a label within CBS Studios, Nickelodeon Animation Studios will be similarly positioned as part of CBS Studios, now overseen by David Stapf.
This consolidation is part of a broader initiative to unify all production units within Cheeks’ expanded portfolio after the Skydance merger into a single entity: CBS Studios.
Ashley Kaplan, who has co-managed the animated studio alongside Alec Botnick for the past four months, will transition to a consulting role focusing on special projects through the end of the year.
In November, shortly after Cheeks assumed oversight of Paramount’s cable brands, he announced leadership changes for the majority of divisions. Kaplan, who served as Executive Vice President of Nickelodeon’s Unscripted and Digital Franchise Studios, and Botnick, CBS Studios’ Executive Vice President in charge of Comedy Development and Animation, were appointed to lead Nickelodeon Animation Studios. Kaplan has been instrumental over her seven years at Nickelodeon, especially in shaping the company’s substantial YouTube presence.
Botnick’s new role will involve overseeing the animation studio’s growth across digital, television, and streaming platforms. Cheeks emphasized the importance of Botnick’s leadership in evolving Nickelodeon to better engage with today’s children and families. “Alec’s leadership will be essential in shaping our next phase as Nickelodeon reinvents how we reach preschoolers,” he stated.
Jules Borkent, appointed in November as EVP of global commercial partnerships and operations, will continue to manage Nickelodeon’s Kids & Family business and strategy without any changes to his role.
In an internal email, Cheeks confirmed Botnick’s appointment as president of Nickelodeon Animation Studios, highlighting his dual responsibilities while underscoring his essential role in transitioning the animated studio into a new phase. Botnick will also lead the development for Nickelodeon’s unscripted programming and oversee iconic franchises.
Kaplan’s new consultancy is a recognition of her contributions, and she is expected to continue providing support on special projects within the TV Media division. Borkent will collaborate closely with Botnick and other key stakeholders to enhance the Nickelodeon brand.
Cheeks closed his announcement with congratulations to Botnick and expressed enthusiasm for the future of Nickelodeon.
