ViacomCBS overhauls management structure

ViacomCBS has restructured its international networks division, with several senior members of its management team taking on new roles. 

Viacom announced the completion of its merger with CBS Corporation back in December when the combined companies were rebranded as ViacomCBS.

ViacomCBS said the restructure would “leverage the company’s expanded operations post-merger to drive new growth opportunities across brands in key international markets”.

ViacomCBS Networks International has been split into two brand groups and three pan-regional management hubs, all of which will report to ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) president and chief executive David Lynn.

• Read more: Viacom completes CBS merger

Lynn said: “Consolidating our international flagship brands into two groups will simplify our structure and more closely align our business with ViacomCBS’ US brands, enabling us to share more content and resources across our different brands and extract maximum value from our content investment and libraries.”

Kerry Taylor, currently executive vice president of MTV International and chief marketing officer for VCNI UK has been promoted to executive vice president of VCNI Entertainment & Youth Brands reporting to David Lynn and Chris McCarthy, president of Entertainment & Youth Brands, ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks.

Taylor’s new remit will include international oversight of MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network and BET.

Jill Offman who previously led Comedy Central and Paramount Network internationally will be dedicated to the international studio business, as executive vice president of ViacomCBS International Studios UK.

Jules Borkent has been promoted to Executive Vice President, VCNI Kids & Family, reporting to David Lynn and Brian Robbins, President, Kids & Family Entertainment, ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks.

Lynn added: “Kerry and Jules are exceptionally creative and strategic professionals. Kerry brings equal parts marketing acumen and a genuine connection to the global youth zeitgeist which has driven MTV’s successful international franchise strategy and ratings success. Jules is a respected industry voice, who’s dedicated to bringing unique and diverse content to Nickelodeon audiences around the world.”

Meanwhile, Maria Kyriacou, who most recently was president of International for ITV Studios, will now join the newly expanded division in February with a new brief as president, ViacomCBS Networks UK & Australia, which includes responsibility for Ireland, New Zealand and Israel. Paul Anderson, who is CEO of Network 10, additionally becomes EVP, ViacomCBS Networks Australia and New Zealand with immediate effect, reporting to Kyriacou.

At the same time, Raffaele Annecchino, who is currently president of the division’s operations across Southern and Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa, will also take on an expanded role in the new structure, with additional responsibility for the company’s operations in Northern and Eastern Europe and key Asian markets.