Viacom18 appoints Sudhanshu Vats as Group CEO

Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd., one of India�۪s leading entertainment companies, today announced the appointment of Sudhanshu Vats, as its Group CEO.

Joining in August 2012, Sudhanshu would be reporting to the Viacom18 board and will be responsible for growth of all Viacom18 brands/businesses, comprising COLORS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nick, Sonic, Vh1 and Viacom18 Motion Pictures.

Sudhanshu is an HUL veteran, having worked with Unilever in India for more than 19 years, in various capacities. He is currently the Vice President ��� Laundry, South Asia and Global Brand Radiant (Rin in India).

Announcing the appointment, Raghav Bahl, Founder ��� Network18 Group, said, ���Given Sudhanshu�۪s rich experience, his ability to lead large businesses and his acute understanding of the Indian diaspora, he is well poised to lead Viacom18 into its next phase of growth.�۝ He further added, ���Sudhanshu also brings with him an intense and interesting perspective on the entertainment business and that is sure to add a new dimension to Viacom18.�۝

Speaking on the development, Sai Kumar, Group CEO ��� Network18 and TV18, added, ���Viacom18 comprises some of the most dynamic brands in the television and entertainment space that cater to a wide spectrum of audiences. Given Sudhanshu�۪s vast experience and an extremely successful track record with multi-brand portfolios, we�۪re confident of him driving each of the Viacom18 brands to its deserved place in the category.�۝

Commenting on Sudhanshu�۪s appointment, Bob Bakish, President & CEO ��� Viacom International Media Networks, said, ���With Sudhanshu on board, we�۪re confident that Viacom18 will continue to redefine the many spaces it operates in.�۝

Sudhanshu has about 21 years of experience, of which 19 have been with Hindustan Unilever across Sales, Customer Development, Marketing and General Management with P&L responsibility. In his previous assignment as VP Soaps and Detergents, HUL (the largest Business segment in India), Sudhanshu aggressively grew the Laundry and HHC categories leading to sustained market share growth. He is equally at ease setting up Businesses from start and launching new Brands. He has worked across different categories (Home & Personal Care and Foods) in FMCG leaving his mark on many popular household brands like Surf Excel, Rin, Vim, Wheel, Lifebuoy, Lux & Lipton. Sudhanshu has also worked with Castrol for about 2 years, where he headed the Marketing function and was instrumental in the Castrol Master Brand re-launch.

Sudhanshu�۪s unique combination of Strategic Clarity, Action Orientation and Inclusive People management style makes him an effective leader. Under his stewardship, South Asia was the fastest growing cluster globally in Laundry during 2011.

Sudhanshu, 44, holds a B.Tech degree and a PGDM from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. Settled in Mumbai, he is married and has two young daughters aged 14 years and 8 years. He is an avid trekker and runs marathons regularly.