David Lynn has been named president and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN).
Lynn is currently the president of VIMN’s operations in the U.K., Northern and Eastern Europe. Under his new post, Lynn will have management oversight of all of Viacom’s media networks and related businesses outside the U.S.
The role will see Lynn report to Bob Bakish, whom he replaces as CEO of VIMN following Bakish’s promotion to become president and CEO of Viacom last month. He will continue to be based in London, but will also work regularly out of VIMN’s New York offices.
Bakish commented: “Viacom’s international business has grown strongly over the last decade and our operations managed out of the U.K., under David’s leadership, have been integral to that growth. David has an outstanding track record at the helm of our U.K. 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.”
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 maximizing its potential. Viacom has must-see content, unrivaled 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.”
VIMN is managed out of London where Lynn will be based. The group was formed in 2011 and has continued to expand Viacom’s global footprint across TV and digital with over 200 branded channels reaching 3.9B subscribers in more than 180 countries.
