ViacomCBS Announces Leadership of Global Streaming Organization
Positions company to seize global opportunity in streaming through integrated strategy and structure across free and pay platforms
Strengthens cross-house content and franchise collaboration across ViacomCBS streaming ecosystem ahead of Paramount+ launch in early 2021
Tom Ryan named President and CEO, ViacomCBS Streaming; Kelly Day, COO, ViacomCBS Networks International, to assume additional role of President of Streaming, ViacomCBS Networks International
NEW YORK--OCTOBER 20, 2020--ViacomCBS (Nasdaq: VIAC, VIACA) today
announced a new leadership structure for its global ecosystem of free and pay streaming services. The integrated structure, which is effective immediately, will ensure a more holistic approach across both free and pay streaming, more closely align the company’s streaming initiatives globally, and enhance ViacomCBS’s ability to leverage the cross-house franchise and content strength of ViacomCBS to seize the global opportunity in streaming.
Tom Ryan, currently CEO of Pluto TV, will assume the role of President and CEO, ViacomCBS Streaming, overseeing CBS All Access, which
will relaunch as Paramount+ in early 2021, and
Pluto TV. In this expanded role, he will have global oversight of the company’s streaming strategy. Marc DeBevoise will step down from his role as Chief Digital Officer, ViacomCBS, and President and CEO, ViacomCBS Digital, serving in an advisory capacity for the remainder of 2020 to support a seamless transition and the ongoing transformation of the digital organization.
As President and CEO, ViacomCBS Streaming, Ryan will lead ViacomCBS’s efforts to further accelerate the growth of its free and pay streaming services, building on his success establishing Pluto TV as the #1 free ad-supported streaming TV service in the U.S. and a growing global force. He will now also oversee the transformation of CBS All Access into Paramount+, working closely with the team on programming strategy, platform development and marketing for the enhanced streaming service. In his new capacity, Ryan will partner with the ViacomCBS Content Council to accelerate a franchise-driven content strategy across the company’s streaming ecosystem, formalizing the role of ViacomCBS’s studios as multiplatform content providers. This will maximize the deployment of both IP and talent relationships across ViacomCBS’s streaming and other platforms.
Kelly Day, COO, ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), will take on an expanded role as President of Streaming, VCNI, overseeing all ex-U.S. digital and streaming platforms in addition to her COO responsibilities. She will work closely with Ryan and David Lynn, President and CEO of VCNI, on ViacomCBS’s international streaming expansion, including the debut of Paramount+ in Australia, Latin America and the Nordics in 2021, as well as the ongoing international rollout of Pluto TV. As previously planned, Pierluigi Gazzolo will step down from his position as President, Streaming and Studios, VCNI, to pursue other interests.
“ViacomCBS has a unique opportunity to combine the best of our brands in a seamless ecosystem of must-watch, direct-to-consumer services for audiences around the world,” said Bob Bakish, President and CEO, ViacomCBS. “As we plan for the launch of Paramount+, bringing together the leaders of our streaming platforms to create a unified global organization will enable us to execute a holistic strategy across both free and pay. We will draw on the breadth and depth of ViacomCBS’s franchises and branded IP to deliver an extraordinary collection of diverse content with the convenience consumers want.”
Bakish continued, “Tom is a pioneering streaming executive who has demonstrated extraordinary talent in creating a differentiated, consumer-centric service that resonates with global audiences. He will bring this same digital expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and strategic, collaborative mindset as we deliver the very best of ViacomCBS to Paramount+ and our portfolio of streaming platforms. I’m thrilled to work with him, Kelly and the team to unify, strengthen and scale our industry-leading digital offering.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to work with this talented team and build on their momentum, especially as we approach the launch of Paramount+,” said Ryan. “Together, we will leverage ViacomCBS’s beloved portfolio of brands, strong content pipeline and extensive network of partners to deliver must-watch on-demand, live and exclusive original programming to viewers everywhere.”
Bakish added, “I’m grateful to Marc for his many contributions to ViacomCBS’s success. Over the course of his tenure with CBS and then ViacomCBS, he has set the course for our digital businesses and laid a strong foundation for us to build on as we prepare for the next phase of our streaming strategy.”
Of Gazzolo, Bakish commented, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Pier for many years. He has played a pivotal role in ViacomCBS’s international growth, launching our international studio production business, establishing us as a key OTT player abroad and, more recently, shepherding the successful global rollout of Pluto TV.”
Ryan has served as CEO and Co-Founder of Pluto TV since early 2014. Under his leadership, Pluto TV has become the leading free, ad-supported streaming TV service in the U.S. and rapidly grown its presence in international markets, reaching 33 million monthly active users globally. He also led Pluto TV through its acquisition by Viacom in January 2019. Earlier in his career, Ryan served as CEO of Threadless, an online art community and e-commerce company, from 2008 to 2012. Previously he was Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy and Business Development at EMI Music and was part of the early team at Virgin Mobile USA. He also co-founded Cductive, a pioneering online music service that merged with eMusic in 1999.
Day has served as COO of VCNI since March 2020. Prior to that, she served as President of Viacom Digital Studios (VDS) since November 2017, overseeing Viacom’s digital strategy, including the expansion of Viacom’s original programming across its leading online video and social media platforms. Under her leadership, VDS created and distributed thousands of hours in premium digital content across Viacom’s global entertainment brands, leading the company to reach new heights in audience engagement – becoming #1 for quality social views among media and entertainment properties, based on Tubular ratings. She previously served as the Chief Business Officer and Chief Digital Officer of multi-platform media company Awesomeness, where she was responsible for international expansion, global distribution strategies and revenue across television, mobile and OTT providers, also driving the company’s product and technology investments.
As ViacomCBS’s Chief Digital Officer and President & CEO of ViacomCBS Digital, DeBevoise led the company’s rapidly growing digital and streaming businesses to become a major player in direct-to-consumer streaming, a top 5 overall U.S. Internet company with more than 200 million monthly users and one of the largest social video companies with more than 9 billion monthly views. DeBevoise spearheaded the integration of CBS and Viacom’s digital and technology strategies and operations across its broad range of digital properties and managed its partnerships with major digital video, social and technology platforms. Since joining CBS Interactive (now part of ViacomCBS Digital) in 2011, DeBevoise led its portfolio of digital properties and was the architect of CBS’ digital strategy to become a leading multi-platform content company and a leader in direct-to-consumer streaming with the founding of live and on-demand streaming services CBS All Access (soon to be Paramount+), CBSN, CBS Sports HQ and ET Live. This included developing teams creating 24/7 news content, licensing and producing major sports content including the UEFA Champions League, and creating a broad array of original series, such as STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, STAR TREK: PICARD, THE GOOD FIGHT, THE STAND and THE TWILIGHT ZONE, among others. Previously, DeBevoise served as President and COO of CBS Interactive since 2016 and prior to that in other executive roles at the company.
Prior to serving as President of Streaming and Studios, VCNI, Gazzolo was President of VCN Americas where he oversaw the expansion of the company’s operations across Latin America and Canada, spearheading the acquisitions of Telefe and Porta dos Fundos, which enabled the creation of ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS). Under Gazzolo’ s leadership, VIS secured sales to a multitude of third parties including Netflix and Amazon Prime as well as streamers and broadcasters around the world. As President of VCN Americas, Gazzolo also led Nickelodeon internationally. With ViacomCBS in its various iterations over the course of his 28 years with the company, Gazzolo also served as Chief Operating Officer under Bob Bakish from 2009 – 2014 in what was first MTV Networks International and then Viacom International Media Networks.
About ViacomCBS
ViacomCBS (Nasdaq: VIAC; VIACA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, its portfolio includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, CBS All Access, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry’s most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents. For more information about ViacomCBS, please visit
www.viacomcbs .com and follow @ViacomCBS on social platforms.
VIAC-IR
ViacomCBS Streaming Shakeup: Tom Ryan Takes Over, Marc DeBevoise Steps Down
Kelly Day and JC Acosta expand roles internationally as Pierluigi Gazzolo departs
ViacomCBS is going through a major shakeup in its streaming operations — and we’re not just referring to CBS All Access rebranding as Paramount+.
For starters, Pluto TV CEO Tom Ryan will take on the role of president and CEO, ViacomCBS Streaming. He’ll oversee All Acces/Paramount+ as well as Pluto TV.
Marc DeBevoise is stepping down as ViacomCBS chief digital officer and president and CEO of ViacomCBS Digital. He’ll shift to an advisory role for the remainder of 2020.
Additionally, Kelly Day, the COO of ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), will take on an expanded role as president of streaming, VCNI. Pierluigi Gazzolo is stepping down from his position as president of VCNI streaming and studios.
Plus, JC Acosta has been named president of ViacomCBS International Studios.
Last month, ViacomCBS revealed that CBS All Access will be called Paramount+ beginning early next year.
The rebranding is the second, and much bigger, phase of the two-phase expansion of CBS All Access, which first launched in 2014 and was among the earliest entrants in the streaming space. In July, All Access added more than 3,500 episodes from Viacom networks BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and Smithsonian Channel, along with a smaller redesign that incorporates hubs for the Viacom networks.
In the weeks since the July addition of content, ViacomCBS said that All Access broke a new record for total monthly streams in August and experienced one of its best months ever in terms of new subscriber sign-ups (though revealed no actual numbers). In addition, the average age of new subscribers in August was measurably younger than the service’s overall average subscriber age, due in large part to the addition of UEFA and the newly added content from various ViacomCBS brands.
Also Read: Bob Bakish Explains Why ViacomCBS Chose Paramount+ Name for Rebranded Streaming Service
Separate from the upcoming CBS All Access rebrand in the United States, ViacomCBS is launching an international streaming service in early 2021. All new Showtime series, including the much-anticipated “Halo” adaptation and the upcoming “American Rust,” will debut first on the currently unnamed SVOD (subscriber video on demand) platform, which will first go live in Australia, Latin America, and Nordic countries.
The new international service, which will have content for all ages, will require a paid subscription.
“ViacomCBS has a unique opportunity to combine the best of our brands in a seamless ecosystem of must-watch, direct-to-consumer services for audiences around the world,” ViacomCBS CEO Bob Bakish said in a statement Tuesday. “As we plan for the launch of Paramount+, bringing together the leaders of our streaming platforms to create a unified global organization will enable us to execute a holistic strategy across both free and pay. We will draw on the breadth and depth of ViacomCBS’s franchises and branded IP to deliver an extraordinary collection of diverse content with the convenience consumers want.”
Bakish continued, “Tom is a pioneering streaming executive who has demonstrated extraordinary talent in creating a differentiated, consumer-centric service that resonates with global audiences. He will bring this same digital expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and strategic, collaborative mindset as we deliver the very best of ViacomCBS to Paramount+ and our portfolio of streaming platforms.”
Also Read: 11 New Fall TV Shows Ranked by Premiere Viewers, From 'Supermarket Sweep' to 'Weakest Link' (Photos)
“I couldn’t be more excited to work with this talented team and build on their momentum, especially as we approach the launch of Paramount+,” Ryan said. “Together, we will leverage ViacomCBS’s beloved portfolio of brands, strong content pipeline and extensive network of partners to deliver must-watch on-demand, live and exclusive original programming to viewers everywhere.”
Bakish added, “I’m grateful to Marc for his many contributions to ViacomCBS’s success. Over the course of his tenure with CBS and then ViacomCBS, he has set the course for our digital businesses and laid a strong foundation for us to build on as we prepare for the next phase of our streaming strategy.”
Of Gazzolo, Bakish commented, “He has played a pivotal role in ViacomCBS’s international growth, launching our international studio production business, establishing us as a key OTT player abroad and, more recently, shepherding the successful global rollout of Pluto TV.”
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ViacomCBS Streaming Shake-Up: Pluto TV’s Tom Ryan to Head New Global Division, Marc DeBevoise Steps Down
Pierluigi Gazzolo to leave ViacomCBS Networks International
ViacomCBS has restructured its streaming operations with a global lens: Tom Ryan, currently CEO of Pluto TV, will assume the role of president and CEO of the newly created ViacomCBS Streaming, overseeing CBS All Access, which will relaunch as Paramount Plus in early 2021, as well as Pluto TV.
Marc DeBevoise will step down from his roles as ViacomCBS’s chief digital officer and president-CEO of ViacomCBS Digital. DeBevoise will serve in an advisory capacity through the end of 2020.
The changes are effective immediately. The media conglomerate said the integrated structure will “ensure a more holistic approach across both free and pay streaming,” as well as more closely align the company’s streaming initiatives globally and enhance its ability to “leverage the cross-house franchise and content strength of ViacomCBS to seize the global opportunity in streaming.”
The ViacomCBS reshuffling comes after Disney, NBCUniversal and WarnerMedia have similarly moved to restructure their organizations with the aim of accelerating direct-to-consumer streaming strategies.
ViacomCBS also announced that Pierluigi Gazzolo will step down from his position as president, streaming and studios, at ViacomCBS Networks International “to pursue other interests.”
Kelly Day, VCNI’s COO, will assume an expanded role as president of streaming for VCNI, overseeing all non-U.S. digital and streaming platforms. She will work with Ryan and David Lynn, president and CEO of VCNI, on ViacomCBS’s international streaming expansion, including on the planned rollout of Paramount Plus in Australia, Latin America and the Nordics in 2021, as well as the ongoing international rollout of Pluto TV.
In addition, JC Acosta, who oversees VCNI’s operations in Latin America and Canada as president, VCN Americas, is assuming additional responsibility as president of ViacomCBS International Studios. Acosta reports to Lynn.
“ViacomCBS has a unique opportunity to combine the best of our brands in a seamless ecosystem of must-watch, direct-to-consumer services for audiences around the world,” Bob Bakish, president and CEO of ViacomCBS, said in announcing the changes. “As we plan for the launch of Paramount Plus, bringing together the leaders of our streaming platforms to create a unified global organization will enable us to execute a holistic strategy across both free and pay.”
As president and CEO of ViacomCBS Streaming, Ryan will lead the company’s streaming businesses worldwide. He will now also oversee the rebranding of CBS All Access into Paramount Plus, working in concert with the ViacomCBS Content Council to develop a franchise-driven content strategy across the company’s streaming platforms.
The restructuring, according to the company, formally makes ViacomCBS’s studios “multiplatform content providers.”
With DeBevoise’s departure, the CBS Interactive group is being dissolved. Last month, ViacomCBS inked a deal to sell CNET Media Group — which has been a major component of the CBSi business — for $500 million to Red Ventures. According to a source familiar with the company, ViacomCBS CTO Phil Wiser, who previously reported to DeBevoise, will now report to CFO Naveen Chopra, who joined the company this summer from Amazon where he served as CFO of Amazon’s devices and services business.
Ryan in 2013 co-founded Pluto TV, which offers free-to-watch, ad-supported live video channels and on-demand content. Viacom, prior to its merger with CBS, bought Pluto TV in 2019 for $340 million. Under Ryan’s leadership, Pluto TV has grown to reach 33 million monthly active users globally. Earlier in his career, Ryan was CEO of Threadless, an online art community and e-commerce company, from 2008-12. Previously he was a senior exec at EMI Music and was part of the early team at Virgin Mobile USA. He also co-founded Cductive, an online music service that merged with eMusic in 1999.
Day has served as COO of VCNI since March 2020. Prior to that, she was president of Viacom Digital Studios (VDS) since November 2017, after serving as chief business officer and chief digital officer of youth-skewing digital media company Awesomeness (which Viacom ended up buying in mid-2018).
DeBevoise joined CBS Interactive (now part of ViacomCBS Digital) in 2011, and has led its portfolio of digital properties as president/COO in 2016. He led the development and launch of the CBS All Access subscription service (soon to be Paramount Plus), as well as free-streaming services CBSN, CBS Sports HQ and ET Live.
Gazzolo, prior to serving as VCNI’s president of streaming and studios, was president of VCN Americas where he oversaw the expansion of the company’s operations across Latin America and Canada and also led Nickelodeon internationally. With ViacomCBS in its various iterations over the course of his 28 years with the company, Gazzolo also served as COO under Bakish from 2009-14 in what was first MTV Networks International and then Viacom International Media Networks.
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Originally published: Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 19:41 BST.
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