Scott Mills Steps Down as President and CEO of BET Media Group: A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
Scott Mills, the President and CEO of BET Media Group, is stepping down after 23 years with the company. In an internal memo to the staff, Mills expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the brand and serve the Black community. Following the acquisition of Paramount by Skydance, BET became part of the new Paramount’s TV Media division under the leadership of George Cheeks. Despite the changes, Mills' title remained unchanged as President and CEO.
Mills joined Viacom in 1997 and held various roles within the company before becoming President of BET in 2017. During his tenure, he oversaw the launch of BET Studios, the BET+ streaming platform, and co-branded FAST channels. Working with prominent creators like Tyler Perry, Lena Waithe, and Lee Daniels, Mills played a key role in transforming BET into a growing media company with a strong presence in the Black audience market.
Despite facing uncertainties, including multiple attempts to sell BET, Mills led the company through challenging times and ultimately saw it retained by Paramount. The decision to keep BET was reinforced by post-merger CEO David Ellison, who emphasized the brand's importance in Paramount's streaming strategy. Mills' departure marks the end of an era for BET, but his legacy of growth and innovation will continue to shape the company's future.
In his farewell message to the staff, Mills expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to lead BET and thanked co-founder Robert L. Johnson and predecessor Debra Lee for their guidance and support. As he embarks on a new chapter in his career, Mills leaves behind a legacy of transformation and success at BET, setting the stage for the brand's continued growth and relevance in the media industry.