Viacom President and CEO Philippe Dauman has been appointed as the company’s executive chairman, replacing Sumner Redstone, who becomes chairman emeritus.
The board extended an offer to Viacom’s non-executive vice chair, Shari Redstone, to become non-executive chairman. Ms. Redstone declined the offer and will continue in her role as non-executive vice chair.
Dauman has served as president and CEO of Viacom since September 2006. He has been on the company’s board of directors since 1987.
“Sumner Redstone’s contributions to Viacom and the media industry are legendary,” said William Schwartz, counsel to the law firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft and chairman of the governance and nominating committee of Viacom’s board of directors. “He has successfully led Viacom with a dedication to building a global business for the benefit of all shareholders. On behalf of the Viacom Board, his colleagues and all our shareholders, we want to thank Sumner for his vision and leadership. There is no one who loves this company more and we will continue to be inspired by his wisdom in the years to come.
“Philippe has been instrumental with Sumner in every aspect of Viacom’s success for nearly 30 years and most recently as CEO has taken on the tough task of navigating our future in a time of unprecedented innovation and disruption. He has laid out a strategic long-term vision for the company that we fully endorse. We have complete confidence that his dedication to Viacom, his global experience and his determination to further our culture of creativity and innovation will continue to serve the interests of all shareholders and build long-term value.”
“In choosing a successor to Sumner,” Schwartz continued, “the board considered the need for seasoned leadership in this time of unprecedented change, Philippe’s business experience and unparalleled knowledge of Viacom, and his long-term vision for the company. We believe his becoming executive chairman is in the best interests of the company and all shareholders.”
Dauman said, “I am honored to succeed my friend and long-time colleague Sumner in the role of executive chairman. His steadfast belief in our company and the power of entertainment will always be an inspiration for me and I look forward to carrying forward his leadership role as a champion for all shareholders. I am gratified by the continued confidence and support of the board of directors and all of my colleagues at Viacom whose creativity and unrelenting hard work is evident in our recent successes across the company.”
