SUSSMAN TO EXIT CBS AFTER 25-YEAR RUN

Veteran live/specials producer Jack Sussman, who joined CBS as head of specials in 1998, will step down as CBS Entertainment EVP, specials, music, live events and alternative programming after the Grammys.

Sussman will pivot to producing full-time, including serving as executive producer for CBS programs he's overseen for years, including the 2024 Tony Awards and Kennedy Center Honors.

Among the programs Sussman oversaw during his CBS run: The Grammys, the Tonys, Kennedy Center Honors, the ACM Awards and other music specials including the Emmy-winning Adele: One Night Only and One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.

His exit from the network after Music's Biggest Night will mark the conclusion of one of the most estimable careers in modern broadcasting history—and the beginning of what will doubtless be a fascinating new chapter.

Sussman issued the following note to his CBS colleagues:

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 tent-pole 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 foxholes 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