Yelena Chak

EVP, Drama Series Development, CBS Entertainment at Paramount

Yelena Chak was named head of drama development for CBS Entertainment in September 2017. In her position, Chak oversees development for the Network’s new drama series. She reports to Thom Sherman, Senior Executive Vice President, Programming, CBS Entertainment.

Chak joined CBS Entertainment in 2007 as Director, Drama Series, and was named Vice President in 2009, Senior Vice President in 2016 and Executive Vice President in 2019. During her time at the Network, she has been involved in the development of FBI, MAGNUM P.I., GOD FRIENDED ME, SEAL TEAM, S.W.A.T., INSTINCT, BULL, “Zoo,” MADAM SECRETARY, “Salvation,” “Scorpion,” “Under the Dome,” ELEMENTARY, “Person of Interest,” HAWAII FIVE-0, BLUE BLOODS, “The Good Wife” and “The Mentalist,” as well as the Network’s new fall dramas, ALL RISE and EVIL.

Before joining CBS, Chak worked in drama development at Jerry Bruckheimer Television, where she oversaw such series as “Without a Trace,” “Cold Case” and the “CSI” franchise. Previously, she worked at NBC, where she participated in the network’s Associate Program, which led to a position in comedy development. Chak began her Hollywood career in the mailroom at UTA, where she was quickly promoted to agent trainee in the TV literary department.

Chak is a graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in economics. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University.

Timeline

  • EVP, Drama Series Development, CBS Entertainment

    Current role

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