Comedy Central has named Sarah Babineau and Jonas Larsen its co-Development and Talent heads. She’ll be on the East Coast, while he’ll be out west.
Following their promotions, both are now executive vice presidents at the key Viacom brand.
“It’s not just that we now have two people overseeing talent and development, it’s also that they are both smarter and more talented than me,” said Kent Alterman, president, Comedy Central, to whom each will report.
Previously, as senior vice president of Original Programming and Development, Babineau managed the cable channel’s New York Development team. She’ll still do that — and more.
As SVP of Talent and Specials up until this point, Larsen had been leading Comedy Central’s talent development and relations, stand-up acquisitions, live touring and festivals, and has overseen the production and development of original specials and tentpole events. He’ll continue to oversee the West Coast-based Talent team, just perhaps with a better office.
On Thursday, Viacom President and CEO Bob Bakish labeled Comedy Central one of his six flagship brands that will be prioritized at the parent level going forward.