Paramount Global appoints Lee Sears to head international advertising sales

Lee Sears

Paramount Global has named Lee Sears as executive vice president (EVP), head of international advertising sales and integrated marketing for Paramount Global.

In his role, he will report to will report to president and CEO of International Markets, Global Consumer Products and Experiences, Pam Kaufman and president of Paramount Advertising, John Halley,

The exec will lead Paramount’s international advertising organisation, formerly known as Velocity International, as a newly aligned group under the global sales organisation.

He will be tasked with overseeing sales, monetisation and strategy for Paramount’s direct-to-consumer streaming business. In addition, Sears will oversee ad sales for Paramount’s linear Pay TV portfolio outside the U.S. and the UK, including linear sales, sponsorship, and brand solutions, social and digital, and live events.

Sears previously acted as executive vice president and head of digital, Ad Sales & Events. Prior to this he worked under Paramount’s international division across various executive roles, including Head of Trading and Director of Sales and Partnerships at MTV International.

“The depth and breadth of Paramount’s portfolio is one of our biggest strengths, and I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time for Paramount’s global advertising business. With global sales strategies, aligned closely with our in-market expertise, I am confident Paramount will maximize the scale of our incredible content for partners worldwide,” said Sears.