Sharma, Bates upped in regional Viacom rejig

Paras Sharma and Simon Bates have gained promotions in a restructuring at Viacom International Media Networks in Asia-Pacific.

Sharma was promoted to senior VP of MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount Channels and digital media in January this year, and now has been upped to SVP and general manager for Southeast Asia.

Sharma has been investigating whether Viacom channel brand such as Spike could launch in Asia.

Bates (left) was most recently VP of MTV, Comedy Central and Spike in Australia and New Zealand, has now been named VP and head of MTV Asia Pacific, and Comedy Central and Spike in Australia and New Zealand.

Paras will report to VIMN Asia Pacific executive VP and managing director Mark Whitehead, with Bates jointly reporting to Whitehead and Ben Richardson, SVP and GM for the ANZ region.

Additionally, Kirsty Bloore has been upped to senior director, research for Asia Pacific, reporting to Amit Arora, VP, strategy and business development, Asia Pacific, and Richardson.

Arora joined earlier this year from BBC Worldwide in a newly-created role.

Whitehead said the appointments “demonstrate how we’re combining the best talent and assets as we maximise operational and creative expertise in the company”.

The changes are effective as of October 1.