CBS Specials/Alternative Head Jack Sussman Departs, Moves Back to Producing

Michael Schneider

10 January 2024 at 1:07 pm·6-min read

Jack Sussman is exiting CBS after more than 25 years. The exec, who first joined CBS in 1998 as head of CBS Specials, has served as executive vice president of specials, music and live events at CBS Entertainment since March 2006, adding responsibility for all alternative programming in 2020. He won’t be straying too far from the Eye network, however: Moving forward, Sussman will segue into a role as an EP for The Tony Awards and The Kennedy Center Honors starting in 2024.

Sussman will depart following the upcoming Grammy Awards.

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“I’m ready,” Sussman said in a memo to staffers. “For two important reasons. First, I’m returning to my roots. I get to close out my career how I started in this business – producing. Working with talented artists and other creative producers has always been the best part of the job and now I will get to do that full time… I’ll also be developing and producing outside passion projects for various platforms and live events along with the pro social and charitable organizations I have connected with throughout my career.”

At CBS, Sussman has long overseen the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards and the Kennedy Center Honors, as well as CBS’ presentations of the Country Music Awards and “A Home for the Holidays.”

Here is his note to CBS’ team, followed by a note from CBS president/CEO George Cheeks.

EMAIL TO CBS ENTERTAINMENT from Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music, Live Events and Alternative Programming, CBS Entertainment

This is my first group email to the people of CBS. It’s also my last. I’ve always been more of a talker than a writer (I can see your heads nodding). After 25 years, I’ve decided to step away from my executive role leading CBS Specials, Music and Alternative programming.

I’m ready. For two important reasons. First, I’m returning to my roots. I get to close out my career how I started in this business – producing. Working with talented artists and other creative producers has always been the best part of the job and now I will get to do that full time. Thanks to George and Amy, I will become an Executive Producer for The Tony Awards and The Kennedy Center Honors starting in 2024. I’ll also be developing and producing outside passion projects for various platforms and live events along with the pro social and charitable organizations I have connected with throughout my career. A perfect next chapter as I look to slow down a little (my wife Jody is skeptical on the last part).

Second, I have a great team that is ready and capable to do more. So proud to have watched these individuals and the collective team grow. Mitch Graham is the best Alternative executive in town and Mackenzie Mitchell has grown into an outstanding executive overseeing our Music and Specials. You will not find 2 finer humans. The team is in great hands moving forward. They are simply the best, and a big reason this decision is both easier and harder. I love this team and I’ll miss our day-to-day, but fortunately I won’t be far away with two CBS tentpole events in June and December.

CBS is a special place. There’s a reason many folks stay here a long time. The people here are extraordinary. I’ll never forget the many teammates, past and present, who were with me in the fox holes on our climb to the top. Together, we helped build a ratings dynasty.

I’ve also been blessed to be part of over 100 combined Grammys, Tonys, Kennedy Center Honors, and annual country music specials on CBS. I’ve had the privilege of producing signature top-rated CBS events with Celine Dion, Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks, Carol Burnett, Adele, Oprah, live Survivor finales and specials with dozens of the greatest artists of the past three decades. I’m so grateful to all the artists, managers, producers, record labels and production teams I’ve worked with along the way. I had the good fortune early in my run at CBS of being mentored (and yelled at on occasion) by the giants who started the live television event business. I learned so much from them, and only hope I have been able to pass along some of that historical wisdom to this next generation.

To all my amazing CBS colleagues and friends: I’m in the halls for several more weeks. Please don’t be a stranger. My last act in this executive role will be the upcoming Grammy Awards next month.

Looking back — this kid from Brooklyn who was fascinated with television growing up, loved music (but could not adequately play any of the dozens of instruments I tried), loved theater and had the acting bug (but no talent in front of the camera or on stage) — the last 25 years have been a dream come true. I only wish the same for all of you. It was wild fun ride here at CBS from worst to first but the people made it all worthwhile. And as another former CBS employee said back in the day – “And that’s the way it is.”

Much love.

Jack

EMAIL FROM GEORGE CHEEKS, PRESIDENT & CEO, CBS and CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER, NEWS and SPORTS, PARAMOUNT+ to CBS team

Team – As you’ll read in his note below, Jack Sussman, our legendary head of CBS Specials, Music and Alternative programming, has decided to step away from his role leading those areas after more than 25 incredible years at the company.

Jack has been the key figure in making CBS the home for the best entertainment and music specials on television for more than two decades. He has consistently delivered the most relevant artists, breathtaking productions and an alchemy of live-event and broadcast impact that have set the standard in our industry. He has also been the network’s respected and trusted steward for our perennial tentpole awards shows and other high-profile broadcasts.

On a personal note, Jack has been a spectacular colleague, adviser and friend to me since I joined CBS. I know we’ll all miss him. I’m excited that he is remaining part of the family, representing CBS as an executive producer for THE TONY AWARDS and THE KENNEDY CENTER HONORS beginning this year.

Jack is still with us in his executive role until the middle of February. Please join me in thanking him for his invaluable and memorable service to CBS.

George

Deadline first reported news of Sussman’s exit.

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