ViacomCBS names new international chief

ViacomCBS has named Raffaele Annecchino as president and CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), effective immediately.

Raffaele Annecchino

Annecchino succeeds David Lynn, who is stepping down and will depart the company following a transition period.

In his new role, Annecchino will oversee all of ViacomCBS’s media networks and related businesses outside the US.

As part of this, he will be responsible for a portfolio of pay-TV entertainment brands and broadcast networks, including Channel 5 in the UK, Telefe in Argentina, Network 10 in Australia and Colors in India through a joint venture with Viacom18, and will work closely with ViacomCBS’s global streaming organization to help guide the continued international rollout of Pluto TV and the launch of Paramount+ in 2021.

Annecchino will report to Bob Bakish, President and CEO, ViacomCBS.

Annecchino has held a number of positions across ViacomCBS Networks International, formerly Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN). Most recently, he served as President of ViacomCBS Networks Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA).

Prior to joining MTV Networks International in 1997, Annecchino held positions at Turner International, Cartoon Network and CNN.

“Raffaele is an entrepreneurial, results-oriented leader with a proven ability to transform businesses and drive growth across diverse markets. In recent years, Raffaele 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 realizing our global ambitions,” said Bakish.

“It’s an honour to step into this role and help continue ViacomCBS’s strong momentum around the world. 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,” said Annecchino.

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to spend the greatest part of my career at ViacomCBS. From my early days at Comedy Central and Nickelodeon to more recently managing teams across our global portfolio, I’ve benefitted from working with the most dynamic, talented team in the industry – who in this most challenging year succeeded in transforming the business for the next important phase of growth,” said Lynn.