MTV Networks Names Catherine Houser Executive Vice President of Human Resources

NEW YORK, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Networks (MTVN), a unit of Viacom , has appointed Catherine Houser to the role of Executive Vice President of Human Resources. Based in New York, Houser will lead MTV Networks' human resources strategies and practices and will report to Judy McGrath, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MTV Networks. Ms. Houser, who begins her new role today, most recently served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for MTVN, based in Los Angeles.

In her new role, Ms. Houser will be responsible for all of MTV Networks' HR initiatives globally, including organization and leadership development, diversity, employee relations, compensation, benefits, learning program and employment.

"Catherine has great experience managing Human Resources in a complex and revolutionary time for media companies," said McGrath. "She has the people skills, the innovative business skills and the passion for our company that we need in an HR leader, and we're so excited she's agreed to take on this important role."

Ms. Houser succeeds JoAnne Adams Griffith, who will be leaving the company after 21 years of service to pursue an independent consulting practice. Ms. Griffith joined Paramount Pictures in 1986, and held various HR roles at MTV Networks and Viacom over the next two decades. While at Viacom, Ms. Griffith was responsible for the human resources policies and programs of Viacom's corporate office and the Company's divisions. During her tenure at MTV Networks, she was responsible for all of MTV Networks' HR initiatives globally and was a part of the senior strategic planning team.

"JoAnne has been our chief people advocate for the last two decades, and has been instrumental to creating the culture we have now, assembling the highest caliber of talent and being our rock through transitions and transformation," added McGrath. "I will miss her personally and professionally, and know her many talents and gifts will serve her well in her next chapter. I want to thank her for all her tireless work on behalf of our division, and wish her the absolute best for her next great adventure."

Houser most recently served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for MTV Networks, overseeing New York and West Coast/Regional Human Resources for the Entertainment Group, the Music and Logo Group, Business and Legal Affairs, the Corporate Groups and the West Coast/Regional operations. She has worked at MTV Networks for over 10 years and was a founding member of MTV Networks' diversity council.

Before joining MTV Networks, Ms. Houser was Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Operations for Orion Pictures Corporation. Prior to Orion, she oversaw Human Resources and Operations for Merv Griffin Enterprises.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 145 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 300 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.