Kramer move prompts ViacomCBS rejig

The global distribution group at ViacomCBS, under president Dan Cohen, has expanded the duties of three EMEA execs ahead of London-based Lisa Kramer’s relocation to Hollywood.

Lisa Kramer

Cohen named Kramer as president of international TV licensing for ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group last month, although the pandemic has delayed her move to the group’s LA headquarters.

In the new role, Kramer, previously executive VP, international TV licensing, will lead the US media giant’s global licensing and marketing teams across all its international offices.

The appointment followed the departure of CBS Studios International president Barry Chamberlain towards the end of 2020.

“We’re hoping that Lisa will be able to join us very soon in our Hollywood headquarters. With both LA and London being two of the top Covid hotspots in the world, we want to be extra careful and only make this move when it’s safe to do so,” Cohen said in an internal memo to staff.

Following Kramer’s promotion, a trio of EMEA executives have had their roles expanded to take over her previous responsibilities covering the region.

Matt Downer, who currently oversees UK/Ireland, Greece, Turkey and Russia, will add oversight of Benelux, south-west Europe, including Spain, Portugal and Italian-speaking Europe, as well as the Middle East.

Philippe Renouard will add French-speaking Europe to his current remit, plus the Nordics and Africa. He will also continue as ViacomCBS’s Miramax ambassador, expanding the content liaison role to other third-party content producers and special projects.

Bernie Schwab will assume leadership for German-speaking, Central and Eastern Europe. In addition to sales and oversight of activities in those areas, Schwab will expand his collaboration with the local Paramount Pictures and ViacomCBS divisions in order to grow revenue and create new business models.

Downer, Renouard and Schwab will report to Kramer, who has held a number of roles at ViacomCBS-owned Paramount Pictures since 2006.

In addition to this restructuring, Michael Armstrong, who currently manages relationships with third-party studios, will be expanding his responsibilities to oversee the international sales teams for formats and the CBS Newspath service. Armstrong will continue to report to Cohen.