Robbins, president of Paramount’s children’s network Nickelodeon, will replace Jim Gianopulos, who will step down after serving as studio head for four years. Paramount announced the change on Sept. 13.
Robbins, a former actor who appeared on the ABC sitcom “Head of the Class,” began his relationship with the studio in the 1990s as a producer of the Nickelodeon show “All That” and its spinoffs before directing “Varsity Blues,” “Norbit” and other films for Paramount.
He became president of the studio’s film production label Paramount Players in June 2017 before Gianopulos promoted him to president of Nickelodeon in October 2018.
Robbins’ experience there paves the way for him to focus on studio intellectual property, also known as IP, over original projects, a tactic designed to reinvigorate Nickelodeon that he outlined in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in July.
He will retain oversight of kids and family content both at Nickelodeon and Paramount Plus, and his experience with the complexities of streaming platforms is expected to provide guidance as the service becomes an increasing priority for ViacomCBS, which restructured its ranks in June for that purpose.
