ViacomCBS sets senior leadership ahead of deal closing

L-R: Shari Redstone, Bob Bakish, Joe Ianniello

CBS has made a round of senior appointments for the merged ViacomCBS group ahead of the merger closing early next month.

The business has tapped Viacom exec Alex Berkett to serve as EVP of corporate development and strategy, leading on all of ViacomCBS’ acquisitions, partnerships, investments and joint ventures internationally.

Meanwhile, Marva Smalls is to serve as EVP and global head of inclusion for the combined business, driving initiatives and fostering partnerships that promote and advance diversity and inclusion. In addition, she will retain her public affairs responsibilities for Nickelodeon as EVP of public affairs for kids and family entertainment brands at ViacomCBS Media Networks.

Elsewhere, Jose Tolosa, chief transformation officer of Viacom, will expand his responsibilities as EVP. The exec will continue to oversee integration efforts for the combined company, with a focus on accelerating the evolution of its businesses.

Tolosa will also lead ViacomCBS strategic planning, helping to set the company’s strategic priorities and support cross-company projects for senior management. Additionally, he will oversee the global business services and global sourcing divisions, which will expand their scope, providing enterprise-wide services and helping drive synergies.

Finally, former Nielsen exec Nancy Phillips will serve as EVP and chief people officer, heading up ViacomCBS’ global human resources organisation, and responsible for driving the company’s human resources strategy and delivering global.

Bob Bakish, president and chief exec of Viacom, who will also lead ViacomCBS, said: “Our team of highly accomplished corporate leaders will draw on their deep experience and expertise to help drive ViacomCBS’ success. They will identify strategic opportunities to grow and transform our businesses and ensure that we are fostering a dynamic, inclusive culture where our employees are empowered to succeed.

“With today’s appointments, we now have in place the entire senior management team for ViacomCBS, ensuring we will hit the ground running when the transaction closes in just a few weeks. Working together, these leaders will help us realise the full potential of our considerable assets and competitive strengths.”