MTV Networks International (MTVNI), a division of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), announced today that Pierluigi Gazzolo, currently the President of MTV Networks Latin America (MTVNLA), has been promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer for MTVNI. Gazzolo succeeds Alex Ferrai who is now COO for the Music & Logo Group under MTV Networks in the US. Gazzolo will continue in his role as President of MTVN Latin America to ensure a smooth transition until a successor is named and will continue reporting into Bob Bakish, President of MTV Networks International.

As COO, Gazzolo will be responsible for MTV Networks’ widespread international operations. He will work closely with MTVNI’s management team to guide the company through its next phase of growth and expansion as well as to ensure the company’s business and creative forces are effectively aligned across its portfolio of brands and businesses. He will have direct oversight of MTVNI’s Strategic Services and functions.

"Pier’s extensive experience in the media industry and in-depth knowledge of our brands will be invaluable in his role as COO,” commented Bakish. “Under his leadership, MTVN Latin America has seen significant financial growth in a fiercely competitive environment and its creative achievements have elevated the region’s creative community to be an important international player. I am confident in Pier’s ability to build on our recent operational successes and to take on the challenges and embrace the opportunities that this role will entail.”

Gazzolo has been with MTV Networks Latin America for more than 15 years serving in a number of capacities. In 2005 he was appointed President of MTV Networks Latin America. Among his many achievements, Gazzolo successfully led the organization’s ambitious efforts to regionalize its operations from Miami to Buenos Aires further empowering the company’s local offices to achieve the highest level of connectivity with its audience and clients. The regionalization included the creation of the Buenos Aires Design Studio (BADS) which subsequently led to Buenos Aires being selected as one of MTVNI’s International Creative Hubs and thus a key component to creative collaboration across its international networks.

During Gazzolo’s tenure, MTVN Latin America has seen double-digit growth year on year and achieved creative excellence with an aggressive programming strategy that included more original productions and expanded offerings. Through his guidance and vision, the company increased its development of locally produced content across all of its brands with productions such as Los Premios MTV, MTV Unplugged, MTV Rock Dinner and Quiero Mis Quinces as well as Nickelodeon’s first live action series, Skimo, and most recently its first ever and hugely successful telenovela Isa TKM.

Digital Media has also been a priority under Gazzolo, including content offerings across all platforms as well as the newly launched mobile 3G network. The company was among the first in the region to launch broadband content platforms (MTV Revolution, NickTurbo, and V-Spot) and is a leader in the kids space with several Nick Kids and Family online properties.

Gazzolo also furthered the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility working with several entities such as the United Nations, the Inter-American Development Band (IADBD) and Unicef on several campaigns including MTV's Sex Tu Mismo, We are 30 Million: Conversations with Mexico’s Presidential Candidates and Agentes de Cambio (Agents of Change) and Nickelodeon’s award-winning animated character Verdito.

Born in Italy and raised in El Salvador, Gazzolo speaks Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and English fluently. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Florida International University.