Vice Media Appoints Former NBCUniversal Executive Adam Stotsky as CEO to Lead Studio-Centric Revamp

Vice Media has appointed Adam Stotsky, a veteran marketing executive from NBCUniversal, as its new chief executive officer, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The move signals a strategic shift for the media company toward studio production and advertising, following a period of financial restructuring and ownership change.

Stotsky steps into the role after nearly two decades at NBCUniversal, where he served in senior leadership positions including president of E! Entertainment and Esquire Network. Most recently, he worked with private equity-backed media ventures such as Religion of Sports and Dick Clark Productions. He replaces Bruce Dixon, who is stepping down from his role as CEO.

The appointment comes after Vice Media’s acquisition by Fortress Investment Group and other lenders in 2023, following the company’s bankruptcy filing. Since then, Vice has undergone significant restructuring, including the sale of several assets such as Refinery29 and i-D magazine, as well as staff reductions.

Under Stotsky’s leadership, the company aims to build a more sustainable and profitable business centered around “provocative storytelling.” Vice is expected to develop new franchises similar to its previous productions, such as the British crime drama Gangs of London and the documentary Bama Rush. The goal is to expand Vice’s creative output across television, podcasts, and branded content.

Vice’s current business segments include Vice Studios, its production arm for scripted and unscripted television; Vice Sports; its cable network Vice TV (in partnership with A+E); and an advertising operation that includes Virtue, its creative agency. Amy Powell, previously with Amazon and Paramount Television, was recently named president of Vice Studios.

Executive Chairman Michael Lang noted that the company is not competing directly with platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok in terms of distribution. Instead, Vice will concentrate on producing content designed for digital consumption, while building out its ad agency presence in Europe and expanding its podcast offerings.

Vice is currently producing new content in collaboration with notable partners. Projects include a partnership with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions on shows like Calipari: Razor’s Edge and NFL Playback, which features celebrity commentary on classic football games.