Popular web sketch comedy company Smosh has hired former MTV Entertainment Studios exec Cory Midgarden as the brand’s first-ever chief content officer. In his newly created role, Midgarden will oversee Smosh’s content strategy and development, talent and casting, brand and marketing, and partnerships. This encompasses Smosh’s YouTube channels and broader content ecosystem, including series, tentpole events, and live shows, with an emphasis on audience-first programming. Most recently serving as vice president of digital, social and streaming content at Paramount’s MTV Entertainment Studios, Midgarden will lead Smosh’s development of originals and new formats, with a focus on “regular, talent-driven concepts designed to grow into long-running franchises across multiple platforms.” Smosh emphasizes this will include “continued investment in casting and talent, featuring a diverse mix of established cast and new comedic voices.” Popular on Variety Midgarden with report to Smosh CEO Alessandra Catanese, who…