Viacom Bolsters Content Distribution Division

Viacom has promoted Samantha Cooper and Deena Demasi to executive VP positions, while also making four other appointments to its distribution and business development team.

Cooper has been elevated to executive VP of distribution partnerships. In addition to leading the team responsible for negotiating and securing all linear and digital distribution deals across domestic Viacom media networks, she will work to deepen the company’s commitment to more client-centric distribution partnerships. A 20-year Viacom veteran, Cooper most recently was senior VP in the distribution sales group.

Demasi was named executive VP of distribution marketing. She will continue to guide distribution marketing, communications and client experience for Viacom and its brands, while expanding her work with Viacom Velocity and other internal stakeholders. Demasi has been a senior member of the content distribution team since 2004, most recently as senior VP of content distribution marketing.

Both executives will continue to work under Tom Gorke, the executive VP and head of distribution and business development. Demasi will also report to Dario Spina, executive VP and chief marketing officer of Viacom Velocity.

Gorke remarked: “These moves ensure we have the right management team and structure in place to evolve Viacom’s approach to our content distribution partnerships. With leaders like Sam and Deena now fully empowered to execute our strategic initiatives, I am confident we can cement Viacom as the go-to provider for our partners who seek more innovative and flexible opportunities to serve their customers and expand their business.”

Viacom has also named company alums Andrew Borak senior VP of distribution marketing (reporting to Demasi) and Sheri Weidner senior VP of distribution partnerships (working under Cooper). In addition, former DISH exec Josh Clark was hired as senior VP of distribution partnerships, and Credit Suisse’s Richelle Clements joins as senior VP of deal finance.