Viacom International Media Networks has appointed Elena Balmont to the position of General Manager, Russia & CIS.
Effective immediately, the news was announced by David Lynn, EVP and managing director, VIMN UK, Australia, Russia & Eastern Europe. Balmont replaces Nicholas Walters, who leaves VIMN in December to pursue a new entrepreneurial venture.
Based in Moscow, Elena Balmont has overall responsibility for leading the operational and strategic management of VIMN’s fast growing business in Russia & CIS, currently comprising 11 channels including global brands Nickelodeon, Paramount Comedy and MTV – operated under licence through local partner ProfMedia – while seeking out new opportunities to grow the business further in the region.
“Russia is a top priority for VIMN with excellent momentum already building across the business including milestone successes in 2012 with the launch of Paramount Comedy and Nickelodeon’s increased distribution to more than 6m households,” commented Lynn. “Elena’s expert insight and relationships within the Russian market, coupled with her tremendous track record will be instrumental in driving VIMN’s next phase of growth and expansion.”
Balmont joins VIMN from Content Union LLC where she was Deputy CEO. Prior to this, Elena spent twelve years at Russia TV Network CTC Media in various positions.
