He will partner with all Kids and Family Group departments, including programming, on-air promotions and ad-sales, to devise strategies that build upon Nickelodeon's "equity with parents" and further develop its position in family entertainment during primetime.

"Paul will be a key member of our team as 'Nick at Nite' continues its evolution from its original mission as an adults-only destination to one that is inclusive of kids and serves the first generation of Nickelodeon families currently coming of age,” said Zarghami.

"He will help us identify and acquire new primetime programming and will help put a long-term strategy in place. We will use Paul's skills as thinker, writer, strategist and marketer to further hone Nick at Nite's creative voice to this audience," Zarghami added.

Additionally, 'Nick at Nite' had also recently announced the acquisition of Everybody Hates Chris and Family Matters, along with event programming including the Worldwide Fido Awards and My Family's Got Guts.

Ward comes back to Nickelodeon and the MTVN Kids and Family Group after serving as senior vice president of communications for TV Land. There he oversaw and managed all facets of publicity, media relations and pro-social efforts for the network.

Ward had served as SVP communications for both 'Nick at Nite' and TV Land since 1999, before becoming solely dedicated to TV Land in late 2006.