Nickelodeon President Zarghami Steps Down
Cyma Zarghami is stepping down as president of Nickelodeon Group after more than 30 years with the network. While Viacom conducts a comprehensive search for a successor to lead Nickelodeon, Sarah Levy, COO of Viacom Media Networks, will lead the brand on an interim basis.
“Over the course of her career, Cyma has played an integral role in growing Nickelodeon into the dominant force in kids’ entertainment. Her instincts for creating content and experiences that kids love have been vital to the brand’s success around the world,” says Bob Bakish, president and CEO of Viacom. “Looking to the future, we are excited to build on this strong foundation as we continue to evolve the business and connect with young audiences in new and innovative ways. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Cyma for her leadership and wish her every success.”
During the transition, Levy will work closely with Nickelodeon’s leadership team to manage the brand’s operations. This will focus on the launch of Nickelodeon’s largest-ever content pipeline of more than 800 new episodes and accelerating the brand’s push into new and next-generation viewing platforms, film, live experiences, and consumer products.
Zarghami joined Nickelodeon in 1985 and was named its president in 2006. Under her leadership, Nickelodeon has become a leading global brand for kids, spanning linear and multiplatform programming, film, live experiences and consumer products. Along the way, Zarghami recruited and cultivated high-performing, diverse talent that reflected the next generation of kids.
Naz Amarchi-Cuevas Named to LIMA Board
Naz Amarchi-Cuevas, head of licensing at SYBO Games, has been named to LIMA’s Board of Directors. Amarchi-Cuevas will begin her term July 1.
Nominated earlier this year, and voted on by LIMA membership, results were announced in May at the Annual LIMA Membership Meeting held prior to Licensing Expo. Nominees must demonstrate an enthusiasm and passion for the licensing industry, be an active LIMA member, and illustrate a proven commitment to the industry.
At SYBO Games, she is integrating the company and its top mobile gaming brand Subway Surfers, further within the entertainment space. Credited with combining the digital world of gaming with traditional consumer products at retail, Amarchi-Cuevas is determined to redefine how entertainment, technology and consumer products merge.