Pierluigi Gazzolo, Appointed President, OTT
International & Viacom International Studios
Juan “JC” Acosta Promoted to President of
VIMN Americas
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) announced today that
Pierluigi Gazzolo, President of VIMN Americas and Executive Vice
President of Nickelodeon International, has been appointed
President of OTT International and Viacom International Studios
(VIS), signalling the increasing importance of VIMN’s OTT and
Studio businesses. Gazzolo will report to David Lynn, President
& CEO of VIMN.
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the full release here:
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David Lynn, President and CEO of Viacom
International Media Networks, will oversee the ViacomCBS's
international media networks, including Network 10 in Australia
(Photo: Business Wire)
In this role, Gazzolo will initially focus on accelerating the
rollout of Pluto TV across international markets, starting with a
major launch across Latin America in early 2020. In addition,
Gazzolo will further establish VIMN’s premium D2C products in
partnership with distributors. He will also be responsible for
creating an integrated Viacom International Studios operation,
managing original content creation assets across ViacomCBS
internationally. This new structure will enable the company to
accelerate the creation of original content across international
markets, consistent with the ViacomCBS mission of becoming one of
the world’s pre-eminent content companies.
Gazzolo will be responsible for establishing Viacom’s
international business strategies, product offerings and operations
for these critical growth areas of the business in all
international markets. He will work closely with Marc DeBevoise,
Chief Digital Officer for ViacomCBS and President and Chief
Executive Officer of CBS Interactive and Tom Ryan, CEO and
Co-Founder of Pluto TV to expand the company’s digital strategy to
the international market.
As President of VIMN Americas, Gazzolo is credited for driving
the extraordinary growth of VIMN’s business in the region and was
responsible for the expansion of the business through the
acquisition of Telefe and Porta dos Fundos. During his tenure,
Gazzolo led the transformation of VIMN Americas, including
establishing its non-linear presence through innovative
multiplatform products and services such as Paramount + and Noggin
and working with the Pluto TV team to launch 11 Pluto Latino
channels to the US Hispanic market earlier this year – which has
since grown to 22 channels and 4,000 hours of Spanish and
Portuguese content.
Under Gazzolo’ s leadership, Viacom International Studios (VIS)
was launched following the 2016 acquisitions of Telefe and then
Porta dos Fundos. Synergies recognized by those acquisitions
enabled the launch of VIS first in the Americas in 2018 and then in
the UK, Europe and Asia in 2019. In 2019 VIS Americas revenues grew
by 57%.
David Lynn commented: “Pier is a uniquely dynamic executive and
has an unrivalled track record of growing revenues for the entire
VIMN ecosystem. Pier’s vision and leadership in acquiring and
integrating both Telefe and Porta dos Fundos for the Americas
business was a step-change for Viacom in the region and enabled the
creation of a studio business, not just for the Americas, but for
all of Viacom International. Additionally, Pier’s leadership in the
streaming and OTT space has driven subscriber growth and
established VIMN as a key player in OTT in the region partnering
with MVPD’s and mobile operators. I’m confident that Pier will
apply the same vision and rigor to launching these key business
lines for ViacomCBS internationally as we continue to super serve
our distribution partners.”
Pierluigi Gazzolo added: “With ViacomCBS’ position as one the
world’s most important content creators and distributors, it’s an
extraordinary moment to help drive the expansion of both Pluto TV
and OTT internationally, which is the fastest growing part of the
video business; and at the same time, create a unified
international studio for Viacom – when the demand for content has
never been greater.”
VIMN Americas Leadership
Juan (“JC”) Acosta, currently Executive Vice President, and
Chief Operating Officer of VIMN Americas, will be promoted to
President of VIMN Americas, effective January 3rd, 2020. Acosta
will report to David Lynn, President & CEO of VIMN.
Lynn commented: “JC’s understanding of the entertainment
industry, strategic expertise and deep knowledge of both VIMN and
the international television market make him ideally suited for his
new role. JC’s tenure with VIMN and impact on the business to date,
will ensure both a seamless leadership transition and a continued
growth trajectory for our Americas operations. JC played a key role
in the transformation of the VIMN Americas business, integrating
and managing Telefe and Porta dos Fundos, and is ideally equipped
to take VIMN Americas through its next stage of growth.”
JC Acosta commented: “I couldn’t be more excited to take on this
role. It’s been my privilege to partner with Pier during such a
transformational period for our business. The VIMN Americas team is
expert in driving value through its ability to adapt to the
ever-changing media landscape through innovation, content
entrepreneurship, and passion. I look forward to continuing to work
with them and our partners as we create and distribute winning
content, products and experiences for the region.”
In his new role, Acosta will be responsible for VIMN operations
for Latin America, spanning Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, as
well as Canada and the US Hispanic market. He will be tasked with
the ongoing expansion of VIMN’s portfolio and products in the
region, including its multiplatform business, global studio and
content distribution and licensing efforts and TV channels (MTV,
Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, and Telefe,
Argentina’s leading free-to-air broadcaster) and digital portfolio
(including Porta Dos Fundos).
As Chief Operating Officer of the Americas cluster since 2015,
JC has been responsible for the region’s brand portfolio and
monetization across all platforms and lines of business throughout
Latin America, US Hispanic and Canada. As well as overseeing
strategic service areas such as Finance, Strategy & Operations,
Production/Studios, Research and Emerging Business.
JC has been with VIMN for 13 years, having first joined the
company in 2007 as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
VIMN Americas. Since that time, Acosta has served in a variety of
roles leading to his current role as EVP Chief Financial Officer
& Executive in Charge of Production. Acosta has worked across a
range of areas of the VIMN Americas business and was a key partner
to Gazzolo, as COO of the America business as they designed and
implemented the integration of Telefe and Porta dos Fundos.
About Pierluigi Gazzolo
In addition to his role as President of VIMN Americas, Gazzolo
is also 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 reporting
into him.
Prior to his current role as President of VIMN Americas, Gazzolo
was Chief Operating Officer of Viacom International Media Networks
(VIMN) from 2011 - 2014, during which time he reported to Robert
Bakish. Gazzolo was appointed COO of VIMN following his tenure as
COO for MTV Networks International (MTVNI) - commencing in 2009 -
for which he established a new level of integrated operations.
During that time, he was instrumental in developing a global
content-based partnership with Rainbow Group. Subsequent to this
partnership, Viacom Inc. acquired a minority interest in Rainbow
Group, of which Gazzolo is a board member.
From 2009-2011, Gazzolo was President of MTV Networks Latin
America (MTVNLA). Under his leadership, MTVNLA saw double-digit
growth year on year as a result of operational and creative
excellence, driven by more original productions and the expansion
of the company’s linear and digital offerings. He re-invented the
traditional telenovela format starting with Nickelodeon’s hugely
successful series Isa TKM, Isa TK+, as well as three seasons of the
highly successful Grachi, which later led to the English-language
adaptation, Every Witch Way for Nickelodeon US.
Gazzolo holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Florida
International University, where he was honoured as Alumni of the
Year in 2011. Born in Italy and raised in El Salvador, Gazzolo
speaks English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese fluently.
About Juan Acosta
As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for VIMN
Americas, Acosta oversees VIMN’s extensive portfolio of brands
including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and Paramount Channel
in Latin America and Canada, Telefe in Argentina, Porta dos Fundos
in Brazil, and Tr3s in the U.S. Hispanic market.
He also has financial oversight of the entire VIMN Americas
organization and oversees the company’s Revenue Strategy,
Multiplatform Strategy and Business Development divisions, as well
as the Viacom International Studios Americas, which is charged with
the development, production and global distribution of the
company’s combined portfolio of content.
Previously, Acosta was SVP, CFO and Executive-in-Charge of
production, playing a key role in structuring multi-layered
production deals and financials to include executing co-production
agreements, negotiating distribution rights, integrating pro-social
media partners, driving non-linear partnerships, and leveraging
fiscal tax incentives. Acosta was instrumental in establishing the
company’s co-production model utilizing investments from non-linear
partners, distributors, NGOs and government ministries in key
markets.
With expertise in studio/production, distribution, consumer
products, program sales, Acosta was formerly Director of Finance
for NBC Universal/Telemundo Network Group, where he was responsible
for the financial reporting, budgeting/forecasting, and compliance
for Telemundo Studios and its corporate entities. He also
previously held positions at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and the
Walt Disney Company.
A native of Miami, Acosta is a Certified Public Accountant for
the State of Florida and holds a Bachelor of Accounting Degree and
a MBA from Florida International University.
About Viacom International Media Networks
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a division of Viacom
Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world’s most
popular multimedia entertainment brands, including Comedy Central,
MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Paramount Channel, alongside a
number of key local brands including Channel 5 (UK) and Telefe
(Argentina). Viacom brands reach more than 4.3 billion cumulative
subscribers in 180+ countries via nearly 300 locally programmed and
operated TV channels and a range of digital media and mobile TV
properties, in more than 40 languages. For more information about
Viacom visit www.viacom.com.
Important Information About the Pending
Merger Between CBS and Viacom and Where To Find It
In connection with the pending merger between CBS Corporation
(“CBS”) and Viacom Inc. (“Viacom”), CBS has filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333‑234238) (the
“Registration Statement”) that
includes a joint consent solicitation statement of CBS and Viacom
and that also constitutes a prospectus of CBS (the “joint consent solicitation
statement / prospectus”). The Registration
Statement was declared effective by the SEC on October 25, 2019.
Viacom and CBS commenced mailing the definitive joint consent
solicitation statement / prospectus to Viacom stockholders and CBS
stockholders on or about October 28, 2019. This communication is
not a substitute for the joint consent solicitation statement /
prospectus or Registration Statement or any other document which
CBS or Viacom may file with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS
OF CBS AND VIACOM ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT,
WHICH INCLUDES THE JOINT CONSENT SOLICITATION STATEMENT /
PROSPECTUS, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL
BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO
THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY
CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PENDING
MERGER AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may
obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, which includes
the joint consent solicitation statement / prospectus, and other
documents filed with the SEC by CBS and Viacom through the website
maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by contacting the investor
relations department of CBS (+1-212-975-4321 or +1-877-227-0787;
investorrelations@CBS.com) or Viacom (+1-212-846-6700 or
+1-800-516-4399; investor.relations@Viacom.com).
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to and does not constitute an offer to subscribe for, buy
or sell, or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for, buy or
sell, or an invitation to subscribe for, buy or sell any securities
or a solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor
shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any
jurisdiction in which such offer, invitation, sale or solicitation
would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the
securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities
shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the
requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.
Cautionary Notes on Forward-Looking
Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within
the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In this context,
forward-looking statements often address expected future business
and financial performance and financial condition, and often
contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,”
“believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “target,” similar
expressions and variations or negatives of these words.
Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that
are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about the
consummation of the pending merger and the anticipated benefits
thereof. These and other forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of future results and are subject to risks,
uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking
statements, including the failure to consummate the pending merger
or to make any filing or take other action required to consummate
such transaction in a timely matter or at all. Important risk
factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not
limited to: (i) the pending merger may not be completed on
anticipated terms and timing, (ii) a condition to closing of the
pending merger may not be satisfied, (iii) the anticipated tax
treatment of the pending merger may not be obtained, (iv) the
potential impact of unforeseen liabilities, future capital
expenditures, revenues, costs, expenses, earnings, synergies,
economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition and losses
on the future prospects, business and management strategies for the
management, expansion and growth of the combined business after the
consummation of the pending merger, (v) litigation relating to the
pending merger against CBS, Viacom or their respective directors,
(vi) potential adverse reactions or changes to business
relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the
pending merger, (vii) any negative effects of the announcement,
pendency or consummation of the pending merger on the market price
of CBS’ or Viacom’s common stock and on CBS’ or Viacom’s operating
results, (viii) risks associated with third party contracts
containing consent and/or other provisions that may be triggered by
the pending merger, (ix) the risks and costs associated with the
integration of, and the ability of CBS and Viacom to integrate, the
businesses successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies, (x)
the risk that disruptions from the pending merger will harm CBS’ or
Viacom’s business, including current plans and operations, (xi) the
ability of CBS or Viacom to retain and hire key personnel and
uncertainties arising from leadership changes, (xii) legislative,
regulatory and economic developments, (xiii) the other risks
described in CBS’ and Viacom’s most recent annual reports on Form
10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and (xiv) management’s
response to any of the aforementioned factors.
These risks, as well as other risks associated with the pending
merger, are more fully discussed in the joint consent solicitation
statement / prospectus included in the Registration Statement.
While the list of factors presented here and the list of factors
presented in the Registration Statement are considered
representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete
statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted
factors may present significant additional obstacles to the
realization of forward-looking statements. Consequences of material
differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the
forward-looking statements could include, among other things,
business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal
liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could
have a material adverse effect on CBS’ or Viacom’s consolidated
financial condition, results of operations, credit rating or
liquidity. Neither CBS nor Viacom assumes any obligation to
publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future
developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as
otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191120005798/en/
Kate Laverge, 212-654-4335, kate.laverge@viacom.com Michelle
Alban Lane, 305-938-4949, Michelle.AlbanLane@vimn.com
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