Greg Nicotero named co-exec producer for 'Walking Dead'

According to a press release just received:
AMC announced today that Emmy Award-winning make-up effects artist Greg Nicotero has been named co-executive producer of The Walking Dead. Nicotero has also inked a first-look deal with the network, which gives him the opportunity to bring his own passion projects to AMC. At Saturday’s Creative Arts Emmy Awards, Nicotero won Best Prosthetic Make-up for AMC’s The Walking Dead. Nicotero directs a series of webisodes this season and is also set to direct an episode.
After some discouraging news in July about Frank Darabont's departure, this is a very positive move by AMC and should engender some hope with fans. Nicotero is a real pro. Check out our interview with him from Comic-Con.