July 2024

Yelena Chak was named head of scripted development for CBS Entertainment in July 2024. In her position, Chak oversees development for the Network’s new drama and comedy series. She reports to Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment.

Previously, Chak oversaw drama development since September 2017. She joined CBS Entertainment in 2007 as director of 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 the FBI, NCIS and CSI franchises, FIRE COUNTRY, THE EQUALIZER, S.W.A.T., and BLUE BLOODS, as well as the Network’s new 2023-24 dramas TRACKER, the #1 series, and ELSBETH, the #2 new series.

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.