Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has promoted James Currell to head its pan-regional operations managed out of the UK.
In his new role as Executive Vice President, Managing Director of VIMN UK, Northern and Eastern Europe, Currell, previously COO, will have management oversight of all of Viacom’s media networks and related businesses in 33 European countries, including the UK.
He replaces David Lynn who has been promoted to become President, CEO of VIMN.
Simultaneously, Channel 5’s Chief Operating Officer, Paul Dunthorne, has been promoted to the same role for VIMN UK, Northern and Eastern Europe, reporting to Currell.
“James has been integral to the stellar growth of our operations managed out of the UK, both before and after our acquisition of Channel 5,” said Lynn. “He’s relentlessly strategic and inquisitive and has a fine understanding of the different needs of all our brands; I couldn’t be happier to have an executive of his calibre to promote from within and I look forward to working with him and Paul to continue developing the exciting momentum we’ve built in our business.”
Viacom’s UK-managed have grown strongly in recent years, with the geographical group increasing annual profits by an average of 15% each year since 2010. The group operates more than 80 channels reaching 86 million households in 33 territories across Europe, an increase in reach of 16% year-on-year in 2016.
