JC Acosta to lead ViacomCBS International Studios

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) has today confirmed the departure of one of its longest-serving executives, Pierluigi Gazzolo, who will step down from his role as president, Streaming and Studios for VCNI at the end of this month to focus on other interests.

During Gazzolo’s tenure as President of Streaming and Studios for VCNI, he successfully established the content proposition, team, and go to market strategy for the international launch of Paramount+ and expanded the roadmap for Pluto TV internationally.

Reporting to David Lynn, president, and CEO of VCNI, and working closely with Tom Ryan, president & CEO of ViacomCBS Streaming, Kelly Day, COO of VCNI, will take over leadership of the division’s streaming business as president of Streaming and COO of VCNI.

In this new role, Day will have oversight of the international roll-out of Paramount+, a new premium SVOD service due to launch in 2021 across Australia, Latin America, and the Nordics; as well as the ongoing expansion of Pluto TV, following its successful launch in Latin America.

Also, reporting to Lynn, JC Acosta, who oversees VCNI’s operations in Latin America and Canada as president, VCN Americas, will take on additional responsibility as president, ViacomCBS International Studios.

Lynn added, “One of our biggest achievements in recent years has been the formation and expansion of VIS, which really couldn’t have happened without Pier’s vision. In the past year, under Pier’s leadership, he doubled the global development slate, setting VCNI up for continued global success in the studio’s arena.”

“Now with JC’s expertise in production and development, coupled with his drive and dedication its incredibly reassuring that JC will take over leadership of VIS,” said Lynn. “Given JC’s intimate understanding of our Studios business, his connections and his knowledge of the international content market, we couldn’t be better positioned for continued growth.”