MUMBAI: ViacomCBS has appointed Raffaele Annecchino as ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) president and CEO, with immediate effect. He succeeds David Lynn, who is stepping down and will depart the company following a transition period.
In his new position, Annecchino will handle all of ViacomCBS’s media networks and related businesses outside the US. He will also be responsible for a portfolio of pay-TV entertainment brands and broadcast networks across six continents – including Channel 5 in the UK, Telefe in Argentina, Network 10 in Australia and Colors in India through a joint venture with Viacom18 – and work closely with ViacomCBS’s global streaming organisation to manage the rollout of Pluto TV and the launch of Paramount+ in 2021. Annecchino will report to ViacomCBS president & CEO Bob Bakish.
“Annecchino is an entrepreneurial, results-oriented leader with a proven ability to transform businesses and drive growth across diverse markets,” said Bakish. “In recent years, Annecchino has taken on increased responsibility, demonstrating strategic and operational expertise that extends across a wide variety of geographies and platforms. His experience in expanding ViacomCBS’s international footprint, forging key partnerships and accelerating our push into mobile and digital platforms will be critical to building on our leadership positions across Europe, Latin America and Asia and realising our global ambitions.”
On Lynn’s departure, Bakish added, “I want to extend my deepest thanks to David for his many contributions over the past two decades, from integrating the international portfolios of CBS and Viacom to overseeing the launch of Viacom International Studios, including the acquisition of Ananey and repositioning the division to enable the continued expansion of our global streaming offerings. I’m grateful for his dedication and leadership and wish him the best as he starts this next chapter.”
“It’s an honour to step into this role and help continue ViacomCBS’s strong momentum around the world,” said Annecchino. “We have an exciting opportunity to broaden the company’s reach through new, innovative distribution channels and partnerships, and I look forward to working with Bob and the rest of the team to execute against our growth initiatives.”
During his 23-year tenure, Annecchino has held a number of positions across VCNI. Until now, he served as president of ViacomCBS Networks Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA), during which time he oversaw operations across a range of markets and led and coordinated VCNI’s mobile strategy globally.
Prior to joining MTV Networks International in 1997, Annecchino worked at Turner International, Cartoon Network and CNN.
