Viacom hands Spain exec expanded Europe, Africa role

Viacom International Media Networks has named MTV Spain’s programming chief to become its VP, youth and music brands for South Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In her new Madrid-based role, Laura Abril will oversee strategy for channels including MTV, MTV Base, VH1 and VH1 Classic across Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, Africa, the Middle East, Malta and Turkey.

She was previously VP, youth and music brands for VIMN’s Spanish business, where she oversaw local programmes such as Gandia Shore.

Before that, she was at channel operator Cosmopolitan Television Spain, where she was programming and production director. Prior to that, she was head of acquistions at Sony Pictures Television International and a sales exec for Disney Iberia.

The news comes a day after VIMN promoted Ben Richardson to become its senior VP and general manager for Australia and New Zealand, replacing Viacom veteran Katrina Southon. She had held the role for three years.

Richardson will report to VIMN UK, Australia and Eastern Europe managing director David Lynn and oversee channels such as MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon.

“Ben has led Nickelodeon and MTV businesses all over the world, and his success over the past three years in Australia and New Zealand makes him an ideal choice to assume leadership of the entire portfolio,” said Lynn.

“He has been an ambassador of our brands for close to a decade, and I’m confident that he’ll take our business to new heights across Australia and New Zealand.”