Viacom names Bakish as acting CEO

US entertainment conglomerate Viacom has confirmed Bob Bakish as its acting president and CEO.

Bob Bakish

Bakish, whose promotion to the role was mooted last week, steps in to take over from Tom Dooley, who leaves the company this month.

Dooley was promoted to replace president and CEO Philippe Dauman in August, following the latter’s long-running legal stand-off with the company’s controlling Redstone family.

Dooley took on responsibility for the media group’s assets, such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Pictures and Channel 5 in the UK, but announced he would be leaving the company in November.

Bakish, head of Viacom’s international networks business since 2011, is now taking over the position on an acting basis.

He has also been appointed to the new role of president and CEO of Viacom Global Entertainment Group. This combines the international businesses with Viacom’s Music and Entertainment Group, comprising MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, Spike and Logo. In addition, TV Land and CMT will join the newly formed group.

Viacom also said its kids and family arm will be re-established as the Nickelodeon Group, while BET Networks will continue as a separate entity.

Bakish’s appointment comes amid reports that Viacom is still exploring the possibility of a re-merger with CBS Corp, which is also owned by the Redstones.