Paramount Global has promoted Pam Kaufman to the role of president and chief executive officer of international markets, global products and consumer experiences, while former international chief Rafael Anechino is leaving, the company said Friday.
In addition to his previous work, leading Paramount’s consumer products business, which represents more than $5.5 billion in worldwide retail revenue, Kaufman will also oversee the company’s portfolio of brands, including broadcast networks and cable, broadcast and studios and other commercial businesses.
Kaufman will report to Bob Bakish, president and CEO of Paramount, when he takes on the newly created role.
“Pam has been a strategic force behind the growth and expansion of some of the world’s most iconic entertainment franchises and properties. He is a proven and trusted leader who has transformed our consumer products organization through innovation and global business operations,” Bakish said in a statement.
“I am honored to take on this role at such an important time for Paramount’s international business. I know firsthand the global strength of our portfolio of brands and I look forward to working with Bob and the incredible team as we continue our global growth strategy,” Kaufman said in a statement.
In mid-June, Paramount said in a surprise announcement that Aequino was “on leave” but did not specify why or if he or management made the decision. He was Bakish’s right-hand man for a long time and recently lived in Madrid and reported to Bakish.
In Annecchino’s most recent role, he oversaw all of Paramount’s media networks and related businesses outside the US, including a portfolio of pay television entertainment brands and broadcast networks on six continents. They are Channel 5 in the UK, Telefe in Argentina, Network 10 in Australia and Colors in India through a joint venture with Viacom18. Annecchino also oversaw the international broadcast product portfolio for Paramount, Paramount+, Pluto TV and Noggin.
After holding positions at Turner International, Cartoon Network and CNN, Annecchino joined MTV Networks International in 1997 as a distribution manager. He then rose through the ranks to become President and CEO of what was then known as ViacomCBS Networks International in December 2020. The company changed its name to Paramount Global in February.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
