Lionsgate’s Kevin Beggs Named International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Chair

Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate Television Group chair and chief creative officer, has been tapped as the new chairman of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Beggs succeeds Fred Cohen in overseeing the organizer of the International Emmy Awards, which honors the best in TV  produced outside of the U.S. market with an awards gala held in New York City in November.

Cohen is stepping down but will take on the new post of foundation chairman and executive committee member. And Beggs steps up from the role of treasurer at the International Academy, a post now to be filled by Bruce Tuchman, who is currently secretary.

“Kevin is a highly regarded industry leader who has been deeply involved in the activities of the International Academy since he joined the executive committee in 2009, and we are delighted he is now taking on the chairmanship.” Bruce L. Paisner, president and CEO, International Academy, said in a statement on Thursday.

Having been with Lionsgate for 25 years, Beggs spearheaded the growth of Lionsgate Television at the major studio to over $1.5 billion in annual revenues currently, while forging relationships with key Hollywood TV creatives and content buyers.

“The Academy is a leader in discovering new creative voices, honoring established talent and serving as a valuable forum for the exchange of ideas at a critical inflection point for our industry.  It’s an honor to work closely with Bruce and to build on the growth the organization has achieved under his leadership,” Beggs said in a statement.