Bob Bakish Upped at Viacom

NEW YORK: Robert Bakish has been elevated to the newly created position of president and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks from his previous role of president of MTV Networks International.

Reporting directly to Philippe Dauman, Viacom’s president and CEO, Bakish will oversee the company’s bouquet of media networks outside of the U.S., including those under the MTVNI umbrella, the BET Networks international channels and the non-premium Paramount branded networks. In total, Viacom International Media Networks covers 145 television channels in 160 countries and territories, as well as related digital properties and consumer products businesses. Bakish will also continue to serve as chairman of Viacom 18, the company’s joint venture in India. Based in New York, Bakish will will continue to work closely with Judy McGrath, MTV Networks’ chairman and CEO; Debra Lee, BET Networks’ chairman and CEO; and Brad Grey, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures.

Announcing Bakish’s promotion, Dauman said, "The development of our international business is a major priority and Bob is the ideal choice to lead the global charge for Viacom’s media networks. Over his 14 years at the company, he has proven himself to be an outstanding strategist and a highly capable operational manager. Bob has served in several leadership roles in our company, including his most recent role as president of MTV Networks International, where he and his team revitalized our creative output and improved our financial performance. His wealth of experience across geographic regions and his understanding of the complexities of global markets will serve us well as we seek out new opportunities for expansion."

He continued, "The creation of this new position reflects the already significant footprint of our television brands around the world, including MTV, Nickelodeon, BET and Comedy Central, and the growing importance of continuing to develop that presence across all of our properties. We also intend to further extend Paramount-themed television channels, taking advantage of Paramount Pictures’ brand awareness and the popularity of the motion pictures in its vast library. All of this builds on the growing strength of our domestic brands and businesses, which will continue to provide fuel and momentum for our international ambitions."