New Group CEO for Viacom’s India JV

MUMBAI: Viacom18, the Viacom/Network18 joint venture that operates Colors, Sonic and a number of other channel brands in India, has tapped Unilever executive Sudhanshu Vats as its new group CEO.

Vats has spent almost two decades at Hindustan Unilever Limited, the consumer-goods giant’s Indian operation. He joins Viacom18 in August, taking on oversight for a channel portfolio that includes Colors, Comedy Central, MTV, Nick, Sonic and Vh1, as well as Viacom18 Motion Pictures.

Raghav Bahl, founder of Network18, commented, “Given Sudhanshu’s rich experience, his ability to lead large businesses and his acute understanding of the Indian diaspora, he is well poised to lead Viacom18 into its next phase of growth. Sudhanshu brings with him an intense and interesting perspective on the entertainment business and that is sure to add a new dimension to Viacom18.”

Bob Bakish, president and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks, added, “With Sudhanshu on board, we’re confident that Viacom18 will continue to redefine the many spaces it operates in.”