A pivotal figure in children’s entertainment, Lilah Kojoori, Vice President of Communications for Nickelodeon and Paramount+ Kids & Family, is stepping down after an impressive two-decade tenure. Her exit comes at a time of significant corporate shifts at parent company Paramount, signaling a new chapter for both the executive and the iconic children’s media empire she helped shape.
After more than 20 years dedicated to shaping the narratives and public image of some of the most beloved children’s entertainment franchises, Lilah Kojoori, the esteemed Vice President of Communications for Nickelodeon and Paramount+ Kids & Family, is embarking on a new journey. Kojoori announced her “bittersweet decision” to staff, marking the end of an extraordinary era.
A Career Defined by Iconic Shows and Star Power
Kojoori’s influence at Nickelodeon, which she joined in 2006, is indelible. Her work spanned publicity for a vast array of the network’s most significant franchises, transforming shows into household names and building unforgettable fan experiences. She was instrumental in the success of campaigns for beloved series that defined a generation of viewers, making her departure a significant moment for the network’s legacy, as reported by Variety.
Her extensive portfolio includes:
- Flagship animated series: SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender.
- Live-action hits: iCarly, Big Time Rush, Victorious, Henry Danger, The Thundermans, Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan, School Spirits.
- Legacy reboots and revivals: All That, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Double Dare, Legends of the Hidden Temple, Good Burger 2, Zoey 102, and the multi-season revival of iCarly for Paramount+.
Beyond the shows, Kojoori played a crucial role in nurturing the careers of many young stars who rose to prominence on Nickelodeon. She worked closely with a roster of talent that has since become globally recognized, including Ariana Grande, Miranda Cosgrove, Jennette McCurdy, Victoria Justice, Keke Palmer, Jace Norman, Breanna Yde, Jack Griffo, Kira Kosarin, Isabela Merced, and JoJo Siwa.
Shaping Marquee Events and Brand Transformation
Kojoori’s vision extended beyond individual series. She was a key architect in expanding Nickelodeon’s presence at high-profile events, solidifying the brand’s connection with its global audience:
- Kids’ Choice Awards: Building unforgettable experiences for the network’s signature fan event.
- Comic-Con International: San Diego: Cultivating a strong presence at the pop culture behemoth.
- Super Bowl and VidCon: Expanding the network’s reach into broader cultural conversations.
Her tenure also coincided with significant technological and strategic shifts in the media landscape. Kojoori was instrumental in guiding Nickelodeon’s communications through its transition into a multiplatform brand, overseeing the growth of its kids and family programming on Paramount+. This included spearheading launches for new streaming content such as School Spirits, Little Wing, and Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado.
An Era of Change at Paramount
Kojoori’s departure occurs amidst a period of considerable transformation and restructuring within Paramount, the parent company of Nickelodeon. The media giant has been undergoing widespread changes, including significant layoffs. Reports indicate that Paramount was gearing up to lay off approximately 1,000 employees with additional cuts expected, as part of a plan to achieve over $2 billion in cost savings following Skydance’s $8 billion acquisition of the media giant, potentially impacting around 2,000 employees overall, according to The Wrap.
This broader context of corporate consolidation and strategic realignment has seen other long-serving executives also depart. For instance, the exit of David Bittler after 25 years at Nickelodeon was another notable change, as highlighted by Variety. Such executive shifts are often indicative of a new strategic direction for major media companies.
Lilah Kojoori’s Farewell Message to Staff
In her internal memo to staff, Kojoori expressed deep gratitude and reflection on her extensive career:
“After more than two decades at Nickelodeon and Paramount+ Kids & Family, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to close this chapter of my career. It has been an extraordinary privilege to help shape the stories, events, and campaigns that have defined so many milestone moments for kids and families – whether it was championing shows like iCarly, Big Time Rush, Double Dare, Victorious, School Spirits, Good Burger 2 and SpongeBob SquarePants, or building unforgettable experiences at Comic-Con and the Kids’ Choice Awards. None of it would have been possible without the brilliant, dedicated team I had the honor of working alongside.”
“What I’ll miss most, though, are the people – the colleagues who became collaborators, mentors, and friends. I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared this journey with you, and I know that while my role here may be ending, the friendships and connections we’ve built will continue. Thank you all for the creativity, heart, and support that made this such an unforgettable experience.”
Looking Ahead: A Legacy and a New Chapter
Kojoori’s departure leaves a significant void in Nickelodeon’s communications team, but her two decades of dedication have undeniably left an enduring mark on the landscape of children’s entertainment. Her ability to connect with audiences, cultivate talent, and navigate evolving media trends will be remembered as a cornerstone of Nickelodeon’s modern identity. As the industry continues to adapt to new technologies and consumption habits, the foundation Kojoori helped build will undoubtedly guide the network’s future endeavors, while fans eagerly await news of her next chapter.
