MTV Names Laurel Weir to SVP Research Slot

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

MTV continued to add to its executive ranks Wednesday, naming Laurel Weir senior vice president of strategic insights and research for the network.

Weir will be responsible for all research efforts for the millennials-targeted network, including consumer insights, trend forecasting, and multiplatform measurement, according to MTV officials.

Most recently Weir served as senior vice president of strategic insights and research for Viacom Kids and Family Group. Prior to that, Weir served as senior vice president of strategic insights and research at TV Land.

Weir will report to Tanya Giles, Executive Vice President, Strategic Insights and Research for the Viacom Music and Entertainment Group, and will work closely with MTV President Sean Atkins.

The appointment comes on the heels of MTV’s appointment earlier this week of Michael Klein as its executive vice president of original content.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.