ViacomCBS Networks International announces new management team structure
ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC) introduced the new management structure of the international division, which aims to leverage the development of the company’s business following the merger and create new growth opportunities for its brands in major international markets. The new structure of ViacomCBS Networks International is split into two new brand areas and three pan-regional management hubs, led by David Lynn, President & CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI).
Pan-regional VCNI Leadership:
Raffaele Annecchino, currently President of Southern and Western Europe, Middle East and Africa, will assume a larger role in the new structure, with responsibility for the company’s activities in Northern and Eastern Europe and major Asian markets.
As President, ViacomCBS Networks Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia (EMEAA), Mr Annecchino will be responsible for further growth in European markets through closer alignment of the continent’s activities as part of the EMEA structure. Annecchino will focus on developing the business in EMEAA as well as continuing to be responsible for VCNI’s mobile strategy.
Maria Kyriacou, who recently served as International President for ITV Studios, will be part of the new division with a new mandate as President, ViacomCBS Networks UK & Australia, which includes responsibility for Ireland, New Zealand and Israel from February 3, 2020. With targeted oversight of ViacomCBS’ activities in its two most important international markets, Kyriacou will seek content and business synergies between the company’s network portfolio and streaming services in these English-speaking markets. Paul Anderson, CEO of Network 10, will also become EVP, ViacomCBS Networks Australia and New Zealand with immediate effect, under Kyriacou’s chairmanship.
At the same time, JC Acosta, recently appointed President, ViacomCBS Networks Americas, will be the third senior pan-regional leader. In this role, he will be responsible for the company’s activities in Latin America – including the key markets of Argentina, Brazil and Mexico – as well as Canada and the Hispanic-speaking American market. Acosta will be responsible for the continued expansion of the company’s portfolio of networks, streaming services and associated activities throughout the region.
The leadership of VCNI’s brands:
Kerry Taylor, current Executive Vice President of MTV International and Chief Marketing Officer of VCNI UK, has been promoted to Executive Vice President of VCNI Entertainment & Youth Brands and will report directly to David Lynn and Chris McCarthy, President of Entertainment & Youth Brands, ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks. In her new role, Taylor will be responsible for the international management of MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network and BET.
Taylor will continue to work with Bruce Gillmer, Executive Vice President, Music, Music & Talent programming/Events ViacomCBS. In addition, Jill Offman – who previously led the international growth of Comedy Central and Paramount’s network – will serve as Executive Vice President of ViacomCBS International Studios UK.
Jules Borkent has been appointed Executive Vice President, VCNI Kids & Family; he will report directly to David Lynn and Brian Robbins, President, Kids & Family Entertainment, ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks. Both Borkent and Acosta assume the role of Pierluigi Gazzolo, who prior to his recent promotion to President of Studios and OTT for ViacomCBS Networks International, was President, VCNI Americas and EVP of Nickelodeon International. Mr. Gazzolo, who reports to Lynn, took up his new role on January 1st and joined the VCNI leadership team.
