Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has appointed Pierluigi Gazzolo to the role of president of OTT International and Viacom International Studios.

Gazzolo (pictured), who was previously president of VIMN Americas and EVP of Nickelodeon International, takes charge of Viacom’s studios and OTT services, and will report to David Lynn, president and CEO of VIMN. Gazzolo will continue serving as EVP the kidcaster on an interim basis as VIMN hunts for a replacement.

In his new role, Gazzolo will initially focus on accelerating the rollout of Pluto TV across international markets, starting with a major launch throughout Latin America in early 2020. The free streamer just added five new kids channels to its offering earlier this week, which will be a part of the rollout.

Additionally, Gazzalo will further establish VIMN’s premium direct-to-consumer products in partnership with distributors and be responsible for creating an integrated Viacom International Studios operation, managing original content creation assets across the newly-formed ViacomCBS internationally.

Gazzolo will work closely with Marc DeBevoise, chief digital officer for ViacomCBS and president and CEO of CBS Interactive, and Tom Ryan, CEO and co-founder of Pluto TV, to expand the company’s digital strategy to the international market.

Meanwhile, Juan “JC” Acosta has been tapped to replace Gazzolo as president of VIMN Americas.

Acosta, who currently serves as EVP and COO of VIMN Americas, will assume the role on January 3, and also report to Lynn. He will be responsible for VIMN operations for Latin America, spanning Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, as well as Canada and the US Hispanic market. His remit will include overseeing the ongoing expansion of VIMN’s portfolio and products in the region, including its multi-platform business, global studio and content distribution and licensing efforts and TV channels (MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, and Telefe, Argentina’s leading free-to-air broadcaster) and digital portfolio (including Porta Dos Fundos).

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