Paramount appoints international chief

Paramount Global has promoted Pamela Kaufman to become its international head, following the abrupt departure of Raffaele Annecchino last month.

As president and chief exec of international markets, global consumer products and experiences, Kaufman will report to Paramount president and chief exec Bob Bakish.

She effectively replaces Raffaele Annecchino, who ‘has decided to leave the company’, according to a statement, after suddenly stepping away from his role last month after 25 years.

Kaufman will be responsible for driving Paramount’s international business and international operations across six continents, including broadcast and cable networks, streaming, studios, and commercial.

She will also have a hand in the continued international rollout of Paramount+ which launched in the UK last month.

Kaufman has held the role of president of global consumer products and experiences at Paramount since November, overseeing worldwide product and business development including Viacom’s first direct-to-consumer e-commerce proposition: The SpongeBob Shop.

She has held an array of roles since she joined Nickelodeon in 1997, including the oversight of key franchises including PAW Patrol.

“[Kaufman] has been the strategic force behind growing and expanding some of the most iconic franchises and properties in entertainment” said Bakish.

“She is uniquely qualified to lead our international business as we expand and diversify our worldwide footprint and accelerate Paramount’s transformation to operating with a truly global approach.”

He added: “I want to extend my thanks to Raffaele Annecchino for the critical role he has played in building Paramount’s international business and expanding our global footprint. I am grateful for the dedication he has shown throughout his 25 years at Paramount and wish him well in the future.”

Kaufman said that she is honoured to take up the role at “a pivotal time” for Paramount International.

“I know first-hand the global strength of our brand portfolio, and I look forward to working with Bob and the incredible International team as we continue pursuing our global growth strategy, investing in key partnerships, furthering our push into mobile and digital platforms in new markets, and operating as one team globally.”