Viacom International Media Networks Russia And CIS Appoints Elena Balmont As Their New General Manager

From C21Media:

Viacom appoints new Russian boss

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has appointed a new general manager for its Russian and CIS territories from local distributor and channel operator Content Union.

Elena Balmont has been brought in to replace Nicholas Walters, who is leaving in December to pursue an undisclosed independent venture.

Balmont was previously the deputy CEO of Content Union responsible for new business development and advertising and also had a 12 year stint with Russian network CTC Media.

She will be based in Moscow and have responsibility for the operational and strategic management of VIMN's business in the region, which includes 11 channels such as Nickelodeon [Nickelodeon Russia], Paramount Comedy and MTV.

Balmont will also be charged with overseeing further expansion and growth in programme production, channel footprint and digital media. She will report to David Lynn, executive VP and MD, VIMN UK, Australia, Russia & Eastern Europe.

Lynn said: “Russia is a top priority for VIMN with excellent momentum already building across the business including milestone successes in 2012 with the launch of Paramount Comedy and Nickelodeon’s increased distribution to more than 6m households.”

Clive Whittingham
07-11-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Appointments
GENRES: Entertainment
PEOPLE: David Lynn, Elena Balmont, Nicholas Walters
COMPANIES: MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Comedy, Viacom International Media Networks
COUNTRIES: CIS, Russia

Also, from Realscreen:

Viacom names Balmont GM of Russian arm

Elena Balmont (pictured) has been named general manager of Viacom International Media Networks Russia and CIS, replacing Nicholas Walters, who exits VIMN in December.

Based in Moscow, Balmont will have overall responsibility for leading the operational and strategic management of VIMN’s business in Russia and CIS, currently comprising 11 channels including MTV and Paramount Comedy, which are operated under license through local partner ProfMedia.

She will be charged with seeking out new opportunities to grow the business further in the region. Walters, meanwhile, is departing “to pursue a new entrepreneurial venture” next month, according to VIMN.

Balmont joins VIMN from Content Union, where she was deputy CEO. Whilst there, she was responsible for new business development, ad sales and sponsorship growth, and the rebranding of two channels.

She reports to David Lynn, executive VP and MD of VIMN for the UK, Australia, Russia and Eastern Europe, who said: “Elena’s expert insight and relationships within the Russian market, coupled with her tremendous track record will be instrumental in driving VIMN’s next phase of growth and expansion.”

Tags: Elena Balmont, MTV, Russia, Viacom International Media Networks, VIMN

Also, from Broadband TV News:

Balmont to head Viacom in Moscow

Viacom International Media Networks has appointed Elena Balmont to the position of General Manager, Russia & CIS.

Effective immediately, the news was announced by David Lynn, EVP and managing director, VIMN UK, Australia, Russia & Eastern Europe. Balmont replaces Nicholas Walters, who leaves VIMN in December to pursue a new entrepreneurial venture.

Based in Moscow, Elena Balmont has overall responsibility for leading the operational and strategic management of VIMN’s fast growing business in Russia & CIS, currently comprising 11 channels including global brands Nickelodeon, Paramount Comedy and MTV – operated under licence through local partner ProfMedia – while seeking out new opportunities to grow the business further in the region.

“Russia is a top priority for VIMN with excellent momentum already building across the business including milestone successes in 2012 with the launch of Paramount Comedy and Nickelodeon’s increased distribution to more than 6m households,” commented Lynn. “Elena’s expert insight and relationships within the Russian market, coupled with her tremendous track record will be instrumental in driving VIMN’s next phase of growth and expansion.”

Balmont joins VIMN from Content Union LLC where she was Deputy CEO. Prior to this, Elena spent twelve years at Russia TV Network CTC Media in various positions.

Also, from DigitalTVEurope.net:

VIMN hires Russian chief

Viacom International Media Networks has hired Elena Balmont as general manager of its Russian channels following the departure of Nicholas Walters.

Balmont becomes general manager, Viacom International Media Networks Russia and CIS. She joins from Russian broadcaster Content Union, where she was deputy chief executive.

She will report to David Lynn, executive vice-president and managing director, VIMN UK, Australia, Russia and eastern Europe. 
Nicholas Walters will leave the company in December to “pursue a new entrepreneurial venture”.

VIMN operates 11 channels in the region including Nickelodeon, Paramount Comedy and MTV – operated under license through local partner ProfMedia – and is also seeking new opportunities to grow its business.

“Russia is a top priority for VIMN with excellent momentum already building across the business including milestone successes in 2012 with the launch of Paramount Comedy and Nickelodeon’s increased distribution to more than six million households,” said Lynn. 
“It’s a great time to join Viacom International Media Networks, home to some of the world’s biggest brands and best-loved properties that are really resonating with local Russian audiences,” added Balmont. “I have inherited a talented team at a time of real opportunity and I’m looking forward to guiding them forward as we look to take the business to the next level.”

Tags: Channels, News, People, VIMN

Also, from Hollywood Reporter:

Elena Balmont Appointed General Manager of VIMN for Russia & CIS

She will be seeking out opportunities to increase the company's business in the region.

MOSCOW – Elena Balmont has been appointed general manager of Viacom International Media Networks Russia & CIS, VIMN announced.

Joining from Content Union LLC where she was deputy CEO, Balmont, is replacing Nicholas Walters, who is to leave VIMN in December to pursue a new entrepreneurial venture.

Based in Moscow, Balmont will be in charge of VIMN’s operational and strategic management in the fast growing market of Russia and CIS, the company said, adding that she will also be seeking out new opportunities to grow the business further in the region, reporting to David Lynn, executive vice president & managing director, VIMN UK, Australia, Russia & Eastern Europe.

“Russia is a top priority for VIMN with excellent momentum already building across the business including milestone successes in 2012 with the launch of Paramount Comedy and Nickelodeon’s increased distribution to more than 6 million households,” Lynn said in a statement. “Elena’s expert insight and relationships within the Russian market, coupled with her tremendous track record will be instrumental in driving VIMN’s next phase of growth and expansion.”

“It’s a great time to join Viacom International Media Networks, home to some of the world’s biggest brands and best-loved properties that are really resonating with local Russian audiences,” added Balmont. “I have inherited a talented team at a time of real opportunity and I’m looking forward to guiding them forward as we look to take the business to the next level.”

VIMN is currently operating 11 channels in the region, including global brands Nickelodeon, Paramount Comedy and MTV, operated under license through the local partner ProfMedia.

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