Bruce Tuchman has been named executive vice president of MGM Networks Inc, with a remit to establish cable, satellite and other channels to distribute MGM's 4,100-title film library and manage the company's existing channel interests worldwide.

Tuchman takes the role previously held by Jules Haimowitz, president of MGM Networks, who will now serve as special consultant to MGM. Tuchman reports to Jim Griffiths, president of MGM Worldwide Television Distribution.

Tuchman comes to MGM from Viacom-owned Nickelodeon where he was most recently senior vice president, new media ventures. During his tenure at Nickelodeon, he was also vice president/general manager of Nickelodeon Global Network Ventures where he launched localised channels reaching over 75 territories.

Haimowitz, who will remain based at the MGM offices in Santa Monica, joined the studio in 1999 and launched new branded channels in Israel, India, Turkey and New Zealand.