Houser Promoted to MTVN Executive VP of Human Resources

Succeeds 21-Year Veteran JoAnne Adams Griffith

By Steve Donohue -- Multichannel News, 1/10/2008 1:40:00 PM

MTV Networks promoted Catherine Houser to executive vice president of human resources. She succeeds 21-year company veteran JoAnne Adams Griffith, who is starting an independent consulting practice.

Houser, who was most recently senior vice president of human resources, will be responsible for all of MTVN’s HR initiatives globally, including organization and leadership development, diversity, employee relations, compensation, benefits, learning program and employment, the company said.

Griffith leaves MTVN after spending two decades at the company and other divisions of parent company Viacom. She joined Paramount Pictures in 1986, and held various HR roles at MTV Networks and Viacom.

“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,” MTVN CEO Judy McGrath said in Thursday’s announcement.

Houser has worked at MTVN for more than 10 years and was a founding member of its diversity council.

“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,” McGrath said.