Brendan Yam to Lead Viacom Digital Studios International

Brendan Yam has been named VP and general manager of Viacom Digital Studios International (VDSI), a new unit focused on creating, distributing and monetizing digital content for Viacom’s flagship brands outside of the U.S.

In his new role, Yam will oversee new business development and commercial opportunities related to international short-form, including branded content and licensing agreements, as well as content and platform partnerships. With three production hubs, this new division will create original digital series, topicals, co-commissions and complementary shorts.

Yam will work under Katherine Liu, the senior VP of strategy and business development at Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), and Kelly Day, the president of Viacom Digital Studios (VDS). He previously served as VP of multiplatform for MTV and Comedy Central International, as well as head of business development for digital.

“Viacom has prioritized reaching digital-first audiences, and with over 3.1 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 180 countries and territories, our international youth audience is key to delivering on Viacom’s goals,” said David Lynn, the president and CEO of VIMN. “I’m confident that with Brendan’s passion for and knowledge of the digital, mobile and social landscape, he and his team will elevate our short-form business and drive engagement around the world.”

“Viacom Digital Studios International will be fully aligned with our U.S. business as we provide a compelling pipeline of content that can be localized and commercialized around the world,” added Day. “Like our flagship brands, we will maximize our international content pipeline as well, taking internationally originated content and making it available to our audiences in the U.S.”