Ex-Nickelodeon exec returns to the fray

Former Nickelodeon UK executive Layla Lewis is re-joining Viacom International Media Networks after nearly three years at rival Turner Broadcasting.

Lewis has been handed the role of Nickelodeon’s VP, content acquisitions, as one of two new appointments. Additionally, Shannon Friedrichs Higdon has been promoted to VP, content and brand management, Nickelodeon International.

Both will be based in New York and report to Nick’s senior VP, global acquisitions and international programming, Jules Borkent.

Lewis re-joins Viacom from Turner International Asia Pacific, based in Hong Kong, where she was director of programming, acquisitions and development and had worked since 2010. Before that, she spent a decade at Nick UK in a number of senior positions.

She will now be responsible for negotiating, sourcing and managing content acquisitions for Nickelodeon channels globally; and will supervise all content acquisition proposals. Additionally, she will work closely with Nick channel programming heads to coordinate and develop pan-regional deals.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Layla back to the Nickelodeon family. She brings strategic and creative vision, proven expertise in negotiating acquisitions within the kids’ genre, and extensive experience in securing entertaining and compelling content,” said Borkent.

Fridrichs Higdon was previously Nick International’s senior director, programme planning and brand management. She will continue to oversee roll out of Nick’s global channels and creation of centralised programming events.

“With these two strong executives in place, we are poised to continue building on Nickelodeon’s strong momentum internationally,” added Borkent.