'Late Show with Stephen Colbert' gets a new showrunner -- Chris Licht

NEW YORK, April 14 (UPI) -- CBS has named Chris Licht as executive producer/showrunner for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Licht will oversee all aspects of production for the late-night chat program.

"I'm thrilled Chris is joining us at The Late Show. I am so impressed by what he has done at CBS This Morning," Colbert said in a statement Wednesday. "And I trust someone has told him he doesn't have to get up at 4 a.m. anymore."

"In a very short time, Stephen's comedic talents and interview skills have formed an exciting new franchise for CBS in late night," added Glenn Geller, president of CBS Entertainment. "Chris' vision and track record of leading signature shows in important day-parts is a great next step to build on this terrific foundation."

"You can't work in this business without being in awe of Stephen Colbert and his talents," remarked Licht.

"The chance to work with Stephen and help build a valuable, late-night franchise, while continuing to grow at CBS, is truly an honor. I can't wait to get started," he said. "At the same time, it's a bittersweet moment. Our CBS News team has built something very unique in the morning that continues to grow in stature and ratings. I will miss working with them all, but I leave with incredible pride for what we accomplished together, and I can't wait to see where Ryan takes the show as it moves onward and upward to the next level of success."

Ryan Kadro will succeed Licht as executive producer of CBS This Morning. He was previously a co-executive producer on the show.