The FINANCIAL — Viacom Inc. on January 11 announced the appointment of David Lynn as President and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN).
Lynn is currently President of VIMN’s operations in the UK, Northern and Eastern Europe, encompassing more than 30 territories. As CEO of VIMN, he will have management oversight of all of Viacom’s media networks and related businesses outside the U.S. Lynn will report to Bob Bakish, whom he replaces as CEO of VIMN following Bakish’s promotion to become President and CEO of Viacom Inc. last month.
Lynn will be based in London but will also work regularly out of VIMN’s offices in New York, according to Viacom.
Bob Bakish commented: “Viacom’s international business has grown strongly over the last decade and our operations managed out of the UK, under David’s leadership, have been integral to that growth. David has an outstanding track record at the helm of our UK business, including leading our successful acquisition and integration of Channel 5, and I have great confidence in his ability to conceive and deliver an even more ambitious growth strategy for VIMN in the years ahead.”
David Lynn added: “This is an exciting time to be taking the reins, with VIMN having a vital role to play in Bob’s plans for accelerating Viacom’s growth and maximising its potential. Viacom has must-see content, unrivalled global reach across TV and some of the world’s most digitally active and socially influential entertainment brands; I believe we have very strong foundations and a clear blueprint for future international growth and I look forward to working with Bob and the rest of the team at VIMN to deliver it.”
Since its formation in 2011, VIMN has grown profitability and continues to expand Viacom’s global footprint across TV and digital, with its 200 plus branded TV channels now reaching a cumulative 3.9 billion subscribers across more than 180 countries and broadcasting in more than 40 languages. Successfully transitioning from TV to multiplatform distribution, VIMN has significantly grown online engagement through the launch of cutting edge digital properties including the Viacom Play Plex mobile streaming apps that give on-demand access to the best TV content from its brands, and built its branded presence on 3rd party video-on-demand platforms. VIMN has also helped Viacom build a strong presence for its brands across social platforms with an estimated 850 million fans and followers worldwide.
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