TORONTO – CTV announced late Tuesday that David Kines has stepped down from his post as senior vice-president, Much MTV Group, effective this Friday.
Kines’ name was synonymous with MuchMusic for nearly a quarter century and he came over to CTV with the sale of Much owner CHUM in 2006.
He “has led a long and prominent career at the intersection of television, music, and pop culture beginning with The New Music on Citytv almost 25 years ago,” said the CTV press release.
The 46-year-old Kines told Cartt.ca in an interview that he hasn’t yet decided what he’s going to do next. “I’ve got a few things on the go that are waiting to land,” he said. While he declined to be more specific, he said he’d be staying in the media and entertainment realm.
“I just thought it felt like a good time to do some ground zero thinking – or some zero-based thinking,” he added, explaining he wants to see what it’s like to work and make decisions without the backing of a huge company “or worrying about 300 people.”
The Much MTV Group he oversaw now includes eight national television channels, two web sites, an original Canadian awards show, and a staff of more than 350 people.
“David Kines has always made it his mission to engage the viewers, stay at the leading edge of audience interaction, and embrace industry innovations,” said Susanne Boyce, president, creative, content and channels, in the release. “We are grateful for his contribution during the transition period as these high profile brands were incorporated into the CTV family.”
“It has been a privilege to have worked as part of an amazing team to create, build, and nurture some of the most successful and best-loved brands in television and new media,” said Kines, in the release. "And I think it’s safe to say I’ve had more fun making television than just about anyone."
– Greg O’Brien
