Paramount Pictures adds BET’s Armstrong

US movie studio Paramount Pictures has appointed the executive VP and general manager at fellow Viacom-owned firm BET Networks to a newly created TV distribution role.

Michael D Armstrong

Michael D Armstrong has been named executive VP, worldwide television licensing and operations at the studio, reporting to Dan Cohen, Paramount’s president of worldwide television licensing.

The veteran Viacom executive has been with Paramount’s parent company for more than two decades, holding roles at Viacom International Media Networks and BET International. He will begin his new role on September 17.

Armstrong will take on several responsibilities, including leading third-party series distribution efforts with studio partners; managing – in partnership with Paramount Television – distribution efforts on local-language productions; and overseeing Paramount’s digital monetisation team, which includes Mark Hall, VP of digital content monetisation.

Armstrong will also work with Viacom International Studios “as it explores the creation of an unwired network for the distribution of series content to international partners,” Paramount said.

“With two decades of experience at Viacom under his belt, Michael truly understands the ecosystem of Viacom brands and their interplay with Paramount, and is a trusted leader not just internally but in the industry as well,” said Cohen.

Armstrong, who joined Viacom in 1998, also led the creation and launch of the Paramount Channel, which is now available in 116 countries.

Viacom recently appointed Nicole Clemens, from US producer Anonymous Content, to fill the vacant position of president at Paramount Television, following Amy Powell’s sudden exit this summer.