New MD for MTVN Latin America

MIAMI: MTV Networks International (MTVNI) has appointed Sofia Ioannou as managing director of MTV Networks Latin America (MTVNLA), succeeding Pierluigi Gazzolo, who was recently appointed COO for MTVNI.

As managing director of MTVNLA, Ioannou will be responsible for leading the business and creative development across all of the company’s brands, including MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite and Nick Jr. in Spanish-speaking Latin America; Viacom Networks Brazil, which operates Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr. and VH1 Brazil; as well as MTV Networks Digital Suite of services throughout the region.

Additionally, she will oversee the company’s operations in Miami, Buenos Aires, Mexico City and São Paulo, as well as its sales and marketing office in Bogotá, scheduled to open in June. She will also have oversight of the newly established Buenos Aires Design Studio, which provides on-air creative and content to MTVNLA and will support MTVNI’s World Design Studio in Buenos Aires.

Ioannou previously served as executive VP of business and legal affairs and general counsel for MTVNI and MTVNLA. Ioannou will remain in the company’s Miami office and her successors will be announced shortly.

"Sofia has been an integral part of MTV Networks International for more than a decade and thus brings to this position a deep understanding of the company and its brands," commented Bob Bakish, the president of MTVNI, to whom Ioannou will report. "Her expertise in business affairs and knowledge of the media industry coupled with her experience across all of MTVNI’s lines of business make her uniquely qualified for this position. I am delighted that she is taking on this new role as well as confident that she will continue to be a tremendous asset to our organization."