VIMN Names New President for the Americas Division

MIAMI/NEW YORK: Pierluigi Gazzolo, the COO of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) and interim managing director for Americas since July, has been named president of the company’s Americas division.

Gazzolo will move from New York to Miami to take up the Americas role on a dedicated basis, reporting to VIMN President and CEO Bob Bakish. The search for his replacement as COO is currently underway.

In his new role, the exec will oversee the ongoing expansion of VIMN’s portfolio of TV channels, including the recent launch of Paramount Channel in the region, as well as increased investment in original local productions for MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central branded networks. The business division spans operations in markets across the Americas, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Canada and U.S. Hispanic (Tr3s). Additionally, Gazzolo will retain his role as the Nickelodeon brand lead for all markets outside of the U.S., with its centralized programming, marketing, creative, consumer products and international program sales teams continuing to report to him.

“Pier has been an outstanding leader within our business for a number of years, and I’m thrilled he will now be focusing his talent and experience on the vitally important role of overseeing the Americas’ business full-time,” said Bakish. “Prior to becoming COO, he was instrumental in establishing our business across the Americas and setting it on a path to growth. He is returning to take charge of a much larger operation that still has significant scope to expand.

“In addition, Nickelodeon has prospered internationally under his leadership—increasing its distribution, launching new products and services on TV and non-linear, and accelerating its licensing activities—so it’s great to ensure management continuity for this incredibly important brand for VIMN.”