20 OCT 2020

VIACOMCBS UNVEILS NEW LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE, GAZZOLO EXITS THE COMPANY

The integrated structure was created to better align the company's streaming needs to its global expansion initiatives. Gazzolo had oversight of streaming and studios for VCNI.

20 OCT 2020

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ViacomCBS announced a new leadership structure to better serve its free and pay streaming services. The company also announced the departure of Pierluigi Gazzolo, who will step down from his role as President, Streaming, and Studios for VCNI at the end of this month. "While he will hate to be labeled as a veteran, there’s no better word to describe someone who has dedicated so much of his career to our company and who has benefited it so much with his wisdom and experience" "He’s a brilliant all-rounder who has played in many positions for our team, but always with the same outstanding results."

The integrated structure, effective immediately, is intended to provide a smoother approach to both free and pay to stream, and better align the company’s streaming initiatives worldwide. “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.

CEO of Pluto TV, Tom Ryan will assume the role of President and CEO, ViacomCBS Streaming. He will now have oversight of CBS All Access, which will relaunch as Paramount+ in early 2021, as well as Pluto TV. In this expanded role, he will have global oversight of the company’s streaming strategy, working closely with the team on programming strategy, platform development, and marketing for the enhanced streaming service. Marc DeBevoise will step down from his role as Chief Digital Officer, ViacomCBS, and President and CEO, ViacomCBS Digital.“Tom is a pioneering streaming executive who has demonstrated extraordinary talent in creating a differentiated, consumer-centric service that resonates with global audiences," Bakish said. "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."

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. 

During Gazzolo’s tenure as President of Streaming and Studios for VCNI, he successfully established the content proposition, team, and go to market strategy for the international launch of Paramount+ and contributed to the international expansion of Pluto TV. Based in Miami, he oversaw a marked expansion of the company’s operations across Spanish-speaking Latin America and Brazil, spearheaded by two key acquisitions, ownership of Argentina’s leading free-to-air broadcaster, Telefe (2016), and a majority stake in Brazilian comedy producer, Porta dos Fundos (2017). Gazzolo also formed VIS and secured its first sales to both Netflix and Amazon Prime, among onther deals. Under his leadership, VIS has expanded its production activities in the UK, Europe, and Asia. At the same time as leading the company’s operations in Latin America, Gazzolo continued to lead Nickelodeon internationally.

 

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, CEO, ViacomCBS