Friday, May 22, 2020

ViacomCBS Appoints Dan Cohen as President, ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group; Marco Nobili as SVP of Strategy and Emerging Business, Americas

Dan Cohen will lead global distribution, while former Netflix and Amazon Prime director Marco Nobili takes on a newly created strategy role.


ViacomCBS is shaking up its corporate level executives with a couple of new appointments. On the distribution side, it has appointed Dan Cohen (pictured, left) as the president of the ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group, replacing longtime exec of 20 years Armando Núñez.

Cohen will take on the role in June, and in his new position he will be the top global distribution exec for the company. He will be responsible for monetizing ViacomCBS’s portfolio of original content, as well as the programming from all of its studios and brands, including Nickelodeon.

Cohen has served as the president of global content licensing for the company since the merger in December 2019, and was then in charge of all licensing for ViacomCBS-owned programming to third-party platforms. He also led the licensing teams in growing distribution opportunities.

Prior to joining the company, Cohen served as the president of worldwide home entertainment and TV distribution for Paramount Pictures. He joined Paramount in 2017 as the president of worldwide TV licensing. Prior to working at Paramount, Cohen spent 20 years at Disney as the EVP of pay TV and digital sales for home and entertainment and TV distribution, for the Walt Disney Studios. While there he distributed Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm properties worldwide. He was also behind Disney’s exclusive, multi-year deals and licensing agreements with Netflix and Starz.

Núñez meanwhile, is transitioning into an advisory role at the company. He worked at CBS for 21 years, and in that time he helped build the CSI, NCIS and new Star Trek TV franchises. He also led CBS’ acquisition of Network 10 in Australia and oversaw CBS TV Distribution. He joined CBS in 1999, and worked in a number of senior exec roles while there. Before joining CBS, he held leadership oles at Universal International Television, and Viacom.

On the network side, ViacomCBS Networks Americas has tapped former Netflix director Marco Nobili (pictured, right) for the newly created SVP of strategy and emerging business role. Nobili will lead the company’s developing strategy for products as well as its OTT business, including Pluto TV, Noggin and Paramount+, in the region. He will also manage business intelligence operations across North and South America, including researching and analytical functions for programming, streaming and data.

Based in Mexico City, he will report to JC Acosta, the president of ViacomCBS Networks Americas. Previously, Nobili was the director of product innovation and original launch strategy for Netflix in Spain and Latin America. He worked there for several months, identifying long-term opportunities and overseeing content launches. Before that he worked at Amazon for four years in various roles, most recently as the country manager for Amazon Prime Video on the business and marketing side for Mexico and Spanish-speaking Latin America. While there, he launched Amazon Prime Video in the region and managed marketing, customer growth, content and distribution.

In other ViacomCBS news, the company has teamed up with Idris Elba (Zootopia, The Jungle Book) to launch a virtual benefit concert to raise funds for food and health assistance in Africa. Hosted by Elba, ViacomCBS Networks Africa will launch the “Africa Day Benefit Concert at Home” via the MTV Base Africa YouTube channel on May 25, before airing it on the network’s channels in the country.

Musicians and celebrities from across Africa will make appearances, alongside performers including rapper Ludacris, and actor Trevor Noah (The Daily Show). All funds raised from the concert will be donated to UNICEF and the UN World Food Programme to support their work helping COVID-19 affected communities in Africa.

Original source: Kidscreen.

From Deadline:

Armando Nuñez To Step Down As ViacomCBS Global Distribution Chief, Dan Cohen To Take Over Role

Armando Nuñez is stepping down as boss of ViacomCBS’ Global Distribution division with Dan Cohen taking over the top international sales position.

This comes after the integration of CBS’ and Paramount’s global distribution teams, overseen by Nuñez, following the merger.

Nuñez has been a key figure in the international TV business for over 25 years and will transition into an advisory role at the company. He will pass the baton to Cohen, who came from the Paramount side and was President, Global Content Licensing for ViacomCBS following the merger.

Cohen, who starts in the role next month, will oversee the international sales of titles from CBS, The CW, CBS All Access and Showtime as well as programming from its Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, Paramount Players, Paramount Animation, CBS Television Studios and CBS News brands.

Nuñez has been Chairman, Global Distribution Group, and Chief Content Licensing Officer for ViacomCBS since the close of the merger in December 2019. Before that, he was President and Chief Executive Officer for the CBS Global Distribution Group and Chief Content Licensing Officer for CBS Corporation.

In a memo to colleagues, Nuñez said that the integration was accomplished “much faster than any of us expected” and now means that it has 24 offices worldwide with a library of nearly 4,000 films and 140,000 episodes of television.

“Thanks to Armando’s exceptional leadership, the critical work to unify our global licensing and distribution operations is complete, and the team is moving forward with a comprehensive strategy for the future,” said ViacomCBS President and CEO Bob Bakish. “In fact, we are already making material progress growing this key business, driven by our combined strength in studio production and our unrivaled library of hit franchises and titles across TV and film. With a smooth transition between outstanding leaders, and with Dan at the helm, we continue to be in the best position to thrive.”

In addition to overseeing the sale of the company’s shows to international broadcasters, Nuñez was credited with playing a key role in CBS’ acquisition of Australian broadcaster Network Ten and bolstering CBS’ international growth, including key deals with broadcasters like Sky in the UK. He is synonymous to international buyers for the LA Screenings, where he is often chatting up global networks as they enjoy In ‘N’ Out burgers and Pink’s Hot Dogs on the lot.

He also directed CBS Television Distribution, which produces and distributes syndicated hits including Entertainment Tonight, Dr. Phil, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy! and Judge Judy.

Nuñez joined CBS as President of what was then CBS Broadcast International in July 1999 and assumed the additional title of Executive Vice President, CBS Enterprises in January 2000. In 2004, Nuñez was named head of CBS Paramount International when CBS and Paramount merged later becoming CBS Studios International. Prior to joining CBS, Nuñez served as President, Universal International Television. From 1994 to 1997, he was President, New World International Television Distribution. From 1992 to 1994, Nuñez was Executive Vice President, International Sales at Viacom Entertainment.

“When Bob asked me to lead this group post-merger, part of the plan was that I would transition from day-to-day leadership to an advisory role once the two teams were integrated and a future strategy was set,” said Nuñez. “Working side by side with Dan, that process has gone faster than expected and is now complete. We are well-positioned wherever this rapidly evolving media landscape takes us, and I can’t think of anyone better to lead us forward than Dan.”

He added, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead this group in its many incarnations during the last 21 years. How many execs can say they worked on integrating CBS and Paramount in 2004…splitting them apart in 2005…and putting it back together again in 2020.”

Meanwhile, Dan Cohen [...] was most recently President, Global Content Licensing for ViacomCBS following the merger. Prior to that he was President of Worldwide Home Entertainment & Television Distribution for Paramount Pictures, joining the company in 2017 as President of Worldwide Television Licensing.

Prior to joining Paramount, Cohen spent 20 years at Disney/ABC where he served as Executive Vice President of Pay Television and Digital Sales for Home Entertainment and Television Distribution for the Walt Disney Studios.

“Together, Armando and I have established a solid foundation for this division,” added Cohen. “We’ve built a world-class team and have a treasure trove of quality content that will propel this division forward. I couldn’t be more excited to lead this group into the future.”

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From Realscreen:

Armando Nunez moves to advisory role, Dan Cohen upped in ViacomCBS shuffle

CBS Global Distribution Group president and CEO Armando Nuñez is moving into an advisory role at the ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group.

Dan Cohen, president of global content licensing at ViacomCBS, will lead the global distribution arm as president, effective next month.

Cohen will be responsible for monetizing the portfolio of original content that airs on the CBS Television Network, the CW, CBS All Access and Showtime, as well as programming from Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, Paramount Players, Paramount Animation, CBS Television Studios, CBS News and the Viacom brands.

He is also tasked with the monetization of the company’s library of film and television titles and running worldwide home entertainment.

Cohen will oversee domestic distribution and syndication sales for CBS Television Distribution. Shows in the division’s portfolio include Entertainment Tonight, Dr. Phil, Inside Edition, Rachael Ray, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy! and Judge Judy.

“Thanks to Armando’s exceptional leadership, the critical work to unify our global licensing and distribution operations is complete, and the team is moving forward with a comprehensive strategy for the future,” ViacomCBS oresident and CEO Bob Bakish said in a statement. “In fact, we are already making material progress growing this key business, driven by our combined strength in studio production and our unrivaled library of hit franchises and titles across TV and film. With a smooth transition between outstanding leaders, and with Dan at the helm, we continue to be in the best position to thrive.”

Cohen has served as president of global content licensing since the merger.

He was responsible for all content licensing for ViacomCBS-owned programming to third-party platforms and led the licensing teams in setting strategy and guiding negotiations across the global marketplace and finding strategic distribution opportunities.

Previously, Cohen served as president of worldwide home entertainment and television distribution for Paramount Pictures. He joined Paramount in 2017 as president of worldwide television licensing.

Prior to joining Paramount, Cohen spent two decades at Disney/ABC, where he served as EVP of pay television and digital sales for home entertainment and television distribution for the Walt Disney Studios.

In that role, he distributed catalog and properties including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, ABC and Disney Channel to businesses around the globe.

Cohen was also responsible for securing exclusive, multi-year pay television deals with Netflix in 2012 and Starz in 1999.

“When Bob asked me to lead this group post-merger, part of the plan was that I would transition from day-to-day leadership to an advisory role once the two teams were integrated and a future strategy was set,” Nuñez said in a statement. “Working side by side with Dan, that process has gone faster than expected and is now complete. We are well-positioned wherever this rapidly evolving media landscape takes us, and I can’t think of anyone better to lead us forward than Dan.”

Nuñez (pictured) was named chairman of the global distribution group and chief licensing officer for ViacomCBS after Viacom and CBS merged in December 2019.

In that role, he was charged with leading the integration of CBS and Paramount’s global licensing and distribution teams.

In his 21-year career at CBS, Nuñez has helped to build scripted franchises and played a key role in CBS’s acquisition of Australia’s Network 10.

He also oversaw CBS Television Distribution during two periods from 2012 through 2016 and again from 2018 to present.

Nuñez previously served as president and CEO for the CBS Global Distribution Group and chief content licensing officer for CBS Corp., with oversight of CBS Television Distribution and CBS Studios International.

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From Variety:

Dan Cohen to Head ViacomCBS Global Distribution as Armando Nunez Shifts to Advisory Role

Dan Cohen has been elevated to ViacomCBS’ top distribution post as longtime CBS Corp. international sales chief Armando Nuñez shifts to an advisory role.

Cohen will serve as president of ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group, starting in June. Nuñez has been chairman of ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group and chief content licensing officer since the integrated Viacom and CBS Corp. management team was assembled last fall.

The plan for Nuñez to hand the reins to Cohen was worked out months ago, around the time that the leadership team for Viacom and CBS Corp. was settled. Nuñez will remain on board as a consultant.

“Thanks to Armando’s exceptional leadership, the critical work to unify our global licensing and distribution operations is complete, and the team is moving forward with a comprehensive strategy for the future,” said ViacomCBS president-CEO Bob Bakish. “In fact, we are already making material progress growing this key business, driven by our combined strength in studio production and our unrivaled library of hit franchises and titles across TV and film. With a smooth transition between outstanding leaders, and with Dan at the helm, we continue to be in the best position to thrive.”

###

From TBI Vision:

Netflix’s Spanish & Lat Am originals director Marco Nobili joins ViacomCBS

ViacomCBS Networks Americas has appointed Netflix exec Marco Nobili to the newly created role of SVP of strategy and emerging business.

Nobili will oversee ViacomCBS strategy for the Americas across its products and platforms, as well as leading the OTT strategy for streamers such as Pluto TV, Noggin and Paramount+.

He will work with ViacomCBS Networks International on the strategy and also oversee departments including business intelligence, reporting to JC Acosta, president of ViacomCBS Networks Americas.

Nobili, who will be based in Mexico City, was most recently director of product innovation & originals launch strategy for Netflix in Spain and Latin America. His role involved identifying long-term opportunities and overseeing new content launches.

Prior to that, Nobili was regional manager for Amazon Prime Video, where he launched and oversaw the market strategy for the streamer in Mexico and Spanish-speaking Latin America, and before that worked for Microsoft’s gaming console Xbox.

“Marco is a senior strategic executive with the proven ability and expertise in the OTT space and is key to driving our streaming strategy forward in the Americas,” said Acosta.

Nobili added: “ViacomCBS is a powerhouse of content creation and is now uniquely positioned to be a strong player in the video on demand space with a potential to become one of the strongest industry leaders in the region.”

Earlier this month, ViacomCBS CEO Bob Bakish outlined plans to launch an international pay TV streaming product in multiple markets within the next year, as part of an expansion of its efforts designed to “create a meaningful brand presence in streaming video in key markets around the world.”

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From C21 Media:

ViacomCBS Networks taps Netflix’s Nobili

ViacomCBS Networks Americas has appointed an executive from Netflix to the newly created role of senior VP of strategy and emerging business.

Marco Nobili will be responsible for driving ViacomCBS Networks’ emerging strategy for the Americas across its products, platforms and commercial lines of business.

In addition, Nobili will lead the OTT strategy and execution of ViacomCBS Network America’s key streaming properties in the free and paid space, Pluto TV, Noggin and Paramount+, in line with the global ViacomCBS Networks International strategy.

He will also oversee the business intelligence areas, including research and analytical functions for all entertainment programming, streaming and data operations. Nobili will report to JC Acosta, president of ViacomCBS Networks Americas, and will be based in Mexico City, Mexico.

Nobili joins ViacomCBS from Netflix, where he was director of product innovation and originals launch strategy in Spain and Latin America, where he identified long-term opportunities and oversaw the launch strategy for new content.

Prior to joining Netflix, Nobili held several positions at Amazon, including regional manager for Amazon Prime Video, where he launched and oversaw the market strategy for Prime Video in Mexico and Spanish-speaking Latin America.

“Marco is a senior strategic executive with the proven ability and expertise in the OTT space and is key to driving our streaming strategy forward in the Americas,” said Acosta.

“ViacomCBS is a powerhouse of content creation and is now uniquely positioned to be a strong player in the VoD space with a potential to become one of the strongest industry leaders in the region,” added Nobili.

In related news, ViacomCBS has promoted veteran execs Trevor Rose and Justin Rosenblatt to senior roles in its entertainment and youth group division.

Rose has been upped to executive VP, talent and content development and head of talent, entertainment and youth.

Rosenblatt, meanwhile, has been promoted to senior VP, alternative and comedy content for ViacomCBS’s entertainment and youth group.

Rose previously served as senior VP, talent and series development for MTV Studios, VH1, CMT and Logo.

Most recently, Rosenblatt oversaw cult hit comedy Schitt’s Creek over its six seasons at ViacomCBS-owned Pop TV.

In his previous role heading alternative programming at The CW, Rosenblatt was responsible for the Whose Line Is It Anyway? reboot, the relaunch of MadTV and Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Masters of Illusion.

ViacomCBS’s entertainment and youth group is run by Chris McCarthy under Nina L Diaz, president of content and chief creative officer for the entire group.

The promotions come after it was announced that Sarah Babineau, head of Comedy Central content and creative enterprises, will be leaving the company at the end of the year.

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From VideoAge International:

Up The Ladder: ViacomCBS Networks Americas

ViacomCBS Networks Americas appointed Marco Nobili (pictured) to the role of senior vice president of Strategy and Emerging Business.

In his newly created position, Nobili will lead the emerging strategy for the Americas across the company’s product, platform, and commercial lines of business. He will also oversee the OTT strategy and execution of the company’s key streaming properties, including Pluto TV, Noggin, and Paramount+. Based in Mexico City, Nobili will report to JC Acosta, president of ViacomCBS Networks Americas.

Acosta commented, “Marco is a senior strategic executive with the proven ability and expertise in the OTT space and is key to driving our streaming strategy forward in the Americas. I am thrilled to have him leading one of the most important strategies of our organization to maximize the value of our content across all products and platforms.”

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From TV LATINA:

Marco Nobili se suma a ViacomCBS Networks Americas

ViacomCBS Networks Americas anunció que Marco Nobili fue nombrado VP sénior de estrategia y negocios emergentes, rol recién creado a través del cual será responsable de impulsar la estrategia de los negocios emergentes en toda la región incluyendo todos los productos, plataformas y líneas de negocio.

Adicionalmente, Nobili liderará la estrategia y ejecución de las propiedades claves de streaming de ViacomCBS Networks Americas tales como Pluto TV, Noggin y Paramount+, acorde con la estrategia global de ViacomCBS Networks International. Las nuevas responsabilidades de Nobili incluyen también el area de Business Intelligence, que agrupa las funciones de investigación y análisis para la programación de entretenimiento y streaming. Nobili le reportará a JC Acosta, presidente, ViacomCBS Networks Americas, y estará basado en la Ciudad de México, México.

“Marco a través de su probada carrera profesional, tiene la capacidad, conocimiento, y experiencia perfecta para liderar la estrategia de streaming en Américas”, dijo Acosta. “Estoy encantado de tenerlo liderando una de las áreas más importantes de nuestra organización que va a maximizar el valor de nuestro contenido a través de todos los productos y plataformas”.

“Estoy emocionado de formar parte de ViacomCBS en este momento único y con un impulso renovado hacia el mundo digital,” agregó Nobili. “ViacomCBS es una gran potencia en materia de creación de contenido y ahora está en una posición única para liderar los negocios de video on-demand con el potencial de transformarse en uno de los líderes de la industria más fuertes en la región. Espero poder aportar mi experiencia en plataformas streaming y emergentes al equipo de ViacomCBS Networks Americas”.

Previo a unirse a ViacomCBS, Nobili se desempeñó como director de innovación de producto y de estrategia de lanzamiento de originales en Netflix para España y Latinoamérica. Desde aquí, Nobili logró identificar oportunidades a largo plazo y estuvo a cargo de supervisar la estrategia de lanzamiento de nuevo contenido. Antes de unirse a Netflix, Nobili ocupó varios puestos clave en Amazon, incluyendo el de gerente regional para Amazon Prime Video, donde lanzó y supervisó la estrategia de mercado de Prime Video en México y países de Latinoamérica de habla hispana. También ocupó el cargo de líder de mercadeo y estrategia de producto para Marketplace. Nobili ocupó también varios puestos de liderazgo y supervisó el lanzamiento de nuevos productos en Microsoft, particularmente el de la consola de videojuegos Xbox dentro del negocio de entretenimiento.

Nobili obtuvo una Maestría en administración de empresas de SDA Bocconi en Milán, Italia y una Licenciatura en Ciencias en Ingeniería Industrial de la Università Degli Studi en Bolonia, Italia.

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From TOTALMEDIOS:

VIACOMCBS NOMBRA NUEVO VP DE ESTRATEGIA Y NEGOCIOS EMERGENTES

El grupo anunció que Marco Nobili fue nombrado Vice Presidente Senior de Estrategia y Negocios Emergentes. Será responsable de impulsar la estrategia de los negocios emergentes en toda la región incluyendo todos los productos, plataformas y líneas de negocio.

ViacomCBS Networks Americas anunció que Marco Nobili fue nombrado Vice Presidente Senior de Estrategia y Negocios Emergentes. En este rol recién creado, Nobili será responsable de impulsar la estrategia de los negocios emergentes en toda la región incluyendo todos los productos, plataformas y líneas de negocio.

Adicionalmente, Nobili liderará la estrategia y ejecución de las propiedades claves de streaming de ViacomCBS Networks Americas tales como Pluto TV, Noggin y Paramount+, acorde con la estrategia global de ViacomCBS Networks International. Las nuevas responsabilidades de Nobili incluyen también el area de Business Intelligence, que agrupa las funciones de investigación y análisis para la programación de entretenimiento y streaming. Nobili le reportará a JC Acosta, Presidente, ViacomCBS Networks Americas, y estará basado en la Ciudad de México, México.

"Marco a través de su probada carrera profesional, tiene la capacidad, conocimiento, y experiencia perfecta para liderar la estrategia de streaming en Américas," dijo Acosta. "Estoy encantado de tenerlo liderando una de las áreas más importantes de nuestra organización que va maximizar el valor de nuestro contenido a través de todos los productos y plataformas."

"Estoy emocionado de formar parte de ViacomCBS en este momento único y con un impulso renovado hacia el mundo digital," dijo Nobili. "ViacomCBS es una gran potencia en materia de creación de contenido y ahora está en una posición única para liderar los negocios de video on-demand con el potencial de transformarse en uno de los líderes de la industria más fuertes en la región. Espero poder aportar mi experiencia en plataformas streaming y emergentes al equipo de ViacomCBS Networks Americas."

Nobili se desempeñó como Director de Innovación de Producto y de Estrategia de Lanzamiento de Originales en Netflix para España y Latinoamérica. Desde aquí, Nobili logró identificar oportunidades a largo plazo y estuvo a cargo de supervisar la estrategia de lanzamiento de nuevo contenido. Antes de unirse a Netflix, Nobili ocupó varios puestos clave en Amazon, incluyendo el de Gerente Regional para Amazon Prime Video, donde lanzó y supervisó la estrategia de mercado de Prime Video en México y países de Latinoamérica de habla hispana. También ocupó el cargo de Líder de Marketing y Estrategia de Producto para Marketplace. Nobili ocupó también varios puestos de liderazgo y supervisó el lanzamiento de nuevos productos en Microsoft, particularmente el de la consola de videojuegos Xbox dentro del negocio de entretenimiento.

Nobili obtuvo una Maestría en Administración de Empresas de SDA Bocconi en Milán, Italia y una Licenciatura en Ciencias en Ingeniería Industrial de la Università Degli Studi en Bolonia, Italia.

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