Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Announces Key Leadership Changes, Elevates OTT and Studio Businesses

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Announces Key Leadership Changes, Elevates OTT and Studio Businesses

Pierluigi Gazzolo, Appointed President, OTT International & Viacom International Studios

Juan “JC” Acosta Promoted to President of VIMN Americas

November 20, 2019 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

MIAMI--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.

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.

David Lynn, President and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks, will oversee the ViacomCBS's international media networks, including Network 10 in Australia

Juan “JC” Acosta, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of VIMN Americas, will serve as President of VIMN Americas

Pierluigi Gazzolo, President of VIMN Americas and Executive Vice President of Nickelodeon International, will serve as President of OTT International and Viacom International Studios

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).

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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.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Viacom International Taps Pierluigi Gazzolo to Lead Streaming Push

The company veteran's promotion signals "the increasing importance" of its studio and streaming businesses, the firm says.
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) on Tuesday said that it has promoted Pierluigi Gazzolo, president of VIMN Americas and executive vp Nickelodeon International, to the new role of president of OTT International and Viacom International Studios.

The company said that the appointment of the 26-year Viacom veteran to the new role, ahead of the planned completion of Viacom's merger with CBS Corp. in early December, signals "the increasing importance of VIMN’s studio and OTT business." Gazzolo will report to David Lynn, president and CEO of VIMN.

In his new role, Gazzolo will initially focus on accelerating the rollout of Pluto TV across international markets, starting with its launch across Latin America in early 2020. He is also charged with further establishing VIMN’s direct-to-consumer products, such as Paramount+, 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," the company said. "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."

The appointment will see the executive roll out in more foreign markets a content and distribution strategy that has driven growth in Viacom's Latin American unit. Gazzolo is, for example, credited with boosting the firm's reach beyond linear TV in the region through such streaming services as Paramount+ and Noggin and also worked on the launch of Pluto Latino channels targeting U.S. Hispanics earlier this year. Under his leadership, the company also launched Viacom International Studios (VIS) following the 2016 acquisitions of Argentinean broadcaster Telefe and Brazilian YouTube comedy channel Porta dos Fundos. "Synergies recognized by those acquisitions enabled the launch of VIS first in the Americas in 2018 and then in Europe, including the U.K., and Asia in 2019," Viacom said.

"Our strategy has been an incredible driver of growth in Latin America and one that now David [Lynn] and Bob [Bakish] want me to replicate internationally," Gazzolo told THR. "I am excited to partake in this transformation that ViacomCBS will have internationally. These areas [streaming and Viacom International Studios] are definitely going to be a driving force for growth for ViacomCBS internationally."

In a statement, he also highlighted: "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."

Gazzolo will also work closely with Marc DeBevoise, who was recently tapped as chief digital officer for ViacomCBS and president and CEO of CBS Interactive, and Tom Ryan, CEO and co-founder of Pluto TV, to expand the merged company’s digital strategy to the international market.

He said Tuesday that it was too early to say whether the CBS All Access streaming service could get rolled out in foreign markets or whether CBS content could be added to Viacom streaming services abroad. "The role has just been created, and I will work very closely with the folks at CBS, but the intent is always to utilize our global content as much as possible," he said.

"Pier is a uniquely dynamic executive and has an unrivaled track record of growing revenues for the entire VIMN ecosystem," said Lynn. "Pier’s vision and leadership in acquiring and integrating both Telefe and Porto 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 [pay TV distributors] 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."

Juan "JC" Acosta, currently executive vp and COO of VIMN Americas, will take over Gazzolo's role as president of VIMN Americas, effective Jan. 3. He will also report Lynn.

Discussing his vision for Viacom International Studios, Gazzolo told THR on Tuesday: "I believe that premium content continues to be very important, and people are expecting to watch high-quality content. The beauty about international is that we have production models that can show you high-quality content, but the cost is not necessarily going to be horrific as we have the ability to use our production hubs around the world and find more efficient ways. In Latin America, we have built about 900 hours of content."

One key strategy will be "to take local hits" and localize them for other markets. Dramedies, such as Telefe comedy 100 Days to Fall in Love, which has scored various local versions, including an English-language remake for Showtime, have been a focus in scripted fare for his team, but tastes and demand constantly evolve, he said.

Streaming services will also be tailored to regional needs, said Gazzolo. "From a content point of view, we will have global content and local content, so the content strategy is going to be very different in different markets depending on the appetite and the business models we have in those markets," he said.

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From Forbes:

Viacom Promotes Gazzolo, Acosta To Bolster Latin America And International OTT Business

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) sees great potential in its Latin America and international OTT and Studio business. As part of its continued global expansion efforts, the company today announced key leadership changes.

Pierluigi Gazzolo, President of VIMN Americas and EVP of Nickelodeon International, is being elevated to President of OTT International and Viacom International Studios (VIS) and Juan “JC” Acosta, currently EVP and COO of VIMN Americas, will be upped to President of VIMN Americas, effective January 3, 2020. Both executives will report to David Lynn, President & CEO of VIMN.

According to the company, this new structure will help accelerate the creation of original content across international markets and signals the increasing importance of VIMN’s OTT and Studio business.

In his new 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. He'll also be responsible for creating an integrated, Viacom International Studios operation, managing original content creation assets across ViacomCBS internationally.

As President of VIMN Americas, Gazzolo is credited for driving the growth of VIMN’s business in the region, overseeing the acquisition of Telefé and Porta dos Fundos which led to the launch of Viacom International Studios (VIS). That division's revenues grew by 57% in 2019.

Gazzolo led the transformation of VIMN Americas by establishing its non-linear presence through innovative multiplatform products and services such as SVOD service Paramount + and Noggin.

This is how Gazzolo explains the company's strong push for video-on-demand subscription services that can capitalize on Viacom's content: "SVOD penetration rate is 26% in Mexico, the highest in the region, according to DATAXIS. There is a lot of room to grow in Latin America and we are always trying to evaluate the best strategies to leverage our content libraries, as well as our content deals. We see this as additional growth to our current distributions deals with our MVPDs partners."

In April, Gazzolo also helped launch Pluto TV Latino, targeting the U.S. Hispanic market.

"Pier is a uniquely dynamic executive and has an unrivaled 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," states Lynn.

With Gazzolo's move to a much larger role, Acosta will be responsible for VIMN operations for Latin America, spanning Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, as well as Canada and the U.S. Hispanic market. He'll be tasked with the expanding 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).

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Additional source: Media Moves.

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