Robert Johnson steps down as BET CEO; names Debra Lee to succeed him in post

Jet, June 20, 2005

BET Founder and CEO Robert L. Johnson has named Debra L. Lee to succeed him as the company's new CEO effective immediately. She was president and chief operating officer.

Johnson takes the title of chairman with plans to retire from the company he founded in 1980 by January 2006. Lee will assume the title of chairman and CEO following Johnson's retirement next year.

"I could not have chosen a better chief executive and outstanding leader to succeed me at BET than Debra Lee, and that's what makes this announcement so important to me and positive for BET's future," said Johnson in a press statement. "Few executives in this industry have exhibited the ability to manage a unique growth company and shown the commitment to building a successful brand the way Debra has in her 19 years at BET. She mastered the cable programming industry long ago, and has a strong executive team in place to support her as she leads BET within the Viacom family."

A Harvard-educated lawyer, Lee takes charge of BET at a time when the brand is the most dominant icon in the urban marketplace.

Lee said: "When you've dedicated yourself to a mission like I have since coming to BET, it's truly gratifying when leaders the caliber of Bob Johnson and Tom Freston (co-president and co-chief operating officer of Viacom) express without hesitation their utmost confidence in your ability. The positive momentum and tremendous optimism for BET's future are the dividends of Bob's leadership over these 25 years and the strength of our executive team. I look forward to working with Tom on the continued development of BET as a powerful, successful enterprise for Viacom and its shareholders."

Lee earned her juris doctorate at Harvard University Law School while simultaneously earning a master's degree in public policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1980. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Brown University in 1976.

Johnson became the nation's first Black billionaire when he sold BET to Viacom for $3 billion in 2000, joining the company that also owns MTV and Nickelodeon. He received a five-year contract to stay with BET after the sale. He's the owner of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats and is involved in several businesses, including real estate, hotel ownership and a jazz record label.