Today, we are excited to announce that Chris McCarthy, President/CEO of Showtime/Paramount Media Networks and MTV Entertainment Studios, has joined Coursera’s Board of Directors. Chris has produced some of the biggest shows on TV, using the power of content to shift perceptions and make a positive impact on important social issues such as mental health, civic engagement, and diversity. As an innovative leader known for building creative-led cultures and driving significant business results across media and entertainment, his insights will help us expand our global reach and better serve the needs of our learners and customers.
“For decades, Chris has helped brands sharpen their focus so that they can better deliver on their vision,” said Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera. “As we position Coursera for long-term, sustainable growth, his operational excellence combined with his passion for creating social impact will help us scale and increase access to education across the globe.”
“As the first person in my family to go to college, I’m living proof of the power of education to dramatically alter lives and an individual’s sense of purpose,” said Chris. “This is why I’m honored to join the board of Coursera and partner with Jeff and his team to harness the power of technology to ensure that anyone, anywhere has the opportunity to receive a world-class education.”
Across Showtime/ParamountMedia, Chris manages a global network of media assets that reach over 1 billion people in more than 180 countries, including brands such as Showtime, MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Smithsonian Channel, and more. He earned an MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Commerce and Engineering from Drexel University.
As we welcome Chris, we’d also like to thank John Doerr, General Partner of Kleiner Perkins, who is stepping down from Coursera’s board after 10 years of service. John’s guidance has been instrumental in helping the business scale and inspiring us to push the boundaries of what is possible in online learning. We are grateful for his leadership, and his legacy will continue to inform how we shape the future of education.
Over the last three years, Coursera has expanded its board with the appointments of Carmen Chang, Amanda Clark, Ted Mitchell, and Sabrina Simmons. Alongside Chris, these iconic leaders represent unique skill sets and perspectives that can help refine our long-term strategy and strengthen our commitment to serving the world through learning.