Former Nickelodeon President Herb Scannell is taking over as Mitú’s chief executive.

Scannell, who begins the new job immediately, replaces Roy Burstin, co-founder of the five-year-old Latino-oriented digital media company, located in Santa Monica. Mitú Co-Founder and President Beatriz Acevedo will remain at the company with an expanded role to oversee content production, talent development and social impact efforts.

Scannell, who spent 10 years as Nickelodeon president, previously served as president of North America at BBC Worldwide. The executive also was founding chief executive of online video startup Next New Networks, acquired by YouTube in 2011.

Scannell, whose mother is Puerto Rican, said in a statement that Mitú’s mission spoke to him professionally and personally. He added, “I have long advocated that the Latino market is underserved. Within a generation Latinos are projected to represent the majority of youth in the U.S. and the most influential and sought-after audience in entertainment.”

Mitú reports 650 million monthly video views and reaches 100 million monthly unique visitors. The company has raised more than $40 million from investors, including Upfront Ventures, AMC Networks, and Shari Redstone’s Advancit Capital.

Contact media and entertainment reporter Diane Haithman at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @dhaithman for the latest in L.A. business news.