Melody Tan Named COO of VIMN as Jose Tolosa Joins Viacom

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has appointed company veteran Melody Tan as chief operating officer, replacing Jose Tolosa, who becomes chief transformation officer for parent company Viacom.

In her new position—which is effective immediately—Tan will work out of New York under David Lynn, the president and CEO of VIMN. She will have operational responsibility for the company’s growth strategy, charged with increasing its scale in high-value and high-growth markets and evolving its content and distribution strategies for OTT revenue opportunities. In addition, she will oversee VIMN’s centralized strategic services.

Prior to this appointment, Tan served as executive VP of programming, strategy and operations for the MTV, VH-1 and Logo group in the U.S., acting as business partner to President Chris McCarthy. Before that, she was senior VP of strategy and business operations within Viacom’s U.S.-based global distribution team.

In his newly created role, which is also effective immediately, Tolosa will lead the team responsible for guiding Viacom’s transformation agenda. He will develop and execute initiatives that support and accelerate the strategic priorities unveiled as part of the company’s Q4 and full-year 2017 earnings results. He will report to Viacom President and CEO Bob Bakish.

Tolosa previously was COO of VIMN. He first joined Viacom in 2008 and held a number of positions at VIMN, including executive VP of strategy, business development and operations.

Lynn remarked: “Melody is super smart with an in-depth understanding of digital disruption and a strong track record in senior strategic and operational roles with Viacom. She will add proven leadership skills to our New York headquarters, as we aim to continue growing revenues ahead of the market and adapting our business model to the growing popularity of on-demand and on-the-go consumption.”

He continued: “Jose has played a leading role in growing the size and profitability of our international business. I’m very sorry to see him leave VIMN, but excited for his new opportunity with Viacom and delighted to have an executive of Melody’s quality to replace him in this important role.”

Bakish added: “Jose brings to this new role a strategic and global perspective and unmatched insights into Viacom’s business. At VIMN, he played an instrumental role in evolving our international media business, including the launch of our highly successful Play Plex mobile apps and their ongoing expansion to the U.S. As chief transformation officer, Jose will build on this strong track record by ensuring we are aligning our operations to meet our goals and best position Viacom for the future.”