Nickelodeon veteran and TeenNick and Nicktoons Executive Vice President (EVP) Keith Dawkins has accepted a new job as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The First Tee, a nonprofit youth development org founded by the US Professional Golf Association (PGA).
The kids network has confirmed that after Dawkins leaves next week, his role will be temporarily filled by NickSplat and Nick Sports Senior Vice President (SVP) of marketing Laura Lundgren.
In his new job, which reflects Dawkins’ passion for sports and pro-social causes, Dawkins will succeed long-time topper Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., who had announced his retirement.
Dawkins, a valued Nickelodeon executive, was promoted from SVP and GM (General Manger) of TeenNick and Nicktoons to EVP
in late 2015, where he led operations for the tween- and teen-targeted networks. In his previous role as SVP and GM, he developed a number of partnerships with companies including Marvel Animation, FremantleMedia, Lionsgate, LEGO and the National Football League (NFL).
The ex-Fox News Channel producer and VH1 exec joined Nickelodeon in 2003 as the first-ever GM of Nicktoons and went on to shape the TeenNick, Nick Jr. and NickMusic channels. He was also responsible for launching and overseeing TeenNick’s NickSplat (formally The Splat) and NickToon’s NickSports programming blocks.
The Splat launched in September 2015 as a multi-screen content destination for Millennials that also includes seven social media platforms and a dedicated website featuring the most popular Nick content from the '90s and beyond.
NickSports, meanwhile, is a primetime programming block that features original and acquired long- and short-form content from professional sports athletes and leagues like MLB, MLS, NASCAR, NFL and PGA.
Dawkins’ departure comes amid a brand and ratings resurgence for Nickelodeon, which notched nine straight quarters as the leading kidsnet with kids ages two to 11 and two to five, as well as four straight quarters on top with kids ages six to 11, according to Nielsen ratings.
Cyma Zarghami, President of Viacom’s Nickelodeon Group, announced Dawkins’s departure in a company memo, calling him “an expert advocate, partner and leader for Nickelodeon.”
Here is Zarghami’s email:
I want to share with you the news that Keith Dawkins is leaving his position at Nickelodeon, literally for greener pastures: he is taking on the role of CEO of The First Tee, a nonprofit youth development organization founded by the Professional Golf Association (PGA). He will officially leave his position here next week, and his new job starts mid-October.
In his time here, Keith has been an expert advocate, partner and leader for Nickelodeon since he joined us in 2003 from VH1 as our first-ever General Manager of Nicktoons. His responsibilities quickly grew to include the TeenNick and NickMusic channels; and he launched the NickSplat and Nick Sports programming initiatives–which have been incredibly exciting extensions of our brand.
Keith has an ability to completely immerse himself in every new project and opportunity. He builds teams that share his same passion, and he makes sure the work is fun and rewarding along the way. And if you’ve worked with him in any capacity, you know it is no secret that his personal passion is the world of sports, and his heart has always been with pro-social causes.
So while we will certainly miss him in the day-to-day, I understand and support his decision. And it’s not really good-bye: We will actually continue to work with him given our ongoing partnership with the PGA and how The First Tee intersects with our own public affairs and sports initiatives.
I will miss Keith personally, very much. He has been a good friend and sounding board over the years and has brought a valuable point of view to the table.
The departure of a friend isn’t ever easy, but this transition comes at an especially strong time for us. Our brand is strong, and our work to grow beyond television is paying off. We are celebrating nine straight quarters at number one with Kids 2-11 and Kids 2-5; four straight quarters on top with Kids 6-11; the number-one hits in every demo; renewed creative energy and momentum across the entire organization; big steps in digital; a global consumer products strategy; more real-world experiences; and virtually a new generation of leadership at Nick guiding us toward even bigger success.
In the interim period following Keith’s departure, Laura Lundgren, SVP of Marketing for our niche nets, NickSplat and Nick Sports, will lead the charge while we solidify plans and structure moving forward.
Please join me in wishing him all the best, and let’s thank him for his many contributions to Nickelodeon.
–Cyma
###
NickALive! would like to wish Keith all the best on all his future endeavours.
Sources: Kidscreen, Deadline.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon News and Highlights!
