The Obamas’ Higher Ground Taps Former Showtime Docs Chief Vinnie Malhotra As President

Former EVP of Nonfiction Programming at Showtime, Vinnie Malhotra, has joined the team at Higher Ground, the production company owned by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. Malhotra will assume the role of President of Higher Ground Productions and will be responsible for leading the film and television division. In this role, he will report directly to the Obamas.

Malhotra has been in the industry for decades, having started his career at ABC News before moving to ESPN and then CNN Worldwide. He joined Showtime in 2015 and has been responsible for producing and executive producing several documentaries and docuseries such as We Need To Talk About Cosby, Weiner, Attica, Couples Therapy, UFO, The Circus, and Love Fraud. He has also played a major role in developing the network's music documentary business with projects such as Spector, Personality Crisis: One Night Only, Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James, Shangri-La, Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men, and Whitney: Can I Be Me.

At Higher Ground, Malhotra will oversee the development and production of films and television shows, taking charge of the company’s film division. As part of the move, Tonia Davis, the previous head of film and TV at Higher Ground, will take up the role of Head of Motion Pictures, and will be responsible for overseeing the development and production of the company’s film slate, which includes upcoming projects such as Rustin and Leave The World Behind, both set to be released on Netflix.

Malhotra's appointment comes two months after he left Showtime amid a major restructuring. The merger with MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount+ with Showtime saw Nina Diaz take over as the head of the company. However, Malhotra is thrilled to be joining Higher Ground and is looking forward to working with the Obamas and the rest of the team. He said, “I’m beyond excited and honored to join them as well as Joe, Tonia, Dan, and the rest of the talented Higher Ground team. I look forward to building upon their track record of creating thought-provoking and entertaining content.”

The Obamas are also thrilled to have Malhotra on board. They said, “Vinnie has decades of experience bringing bold and compelling stories to life with a consistent blend of creative vision and integrity. We’re thrilled that Vinnie will be leading Higher Ground Productions as it continues to grow.” With Malhotra's vast experience in the industry, it will be exciting to see what new and thought-provoking projects Higher Ground will produce under his leadership.