Robert M. Bakish

Robert M. Bakish (born 1963) is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Viacom International Media Networks, overseeing all Viacom media networks and operations outside of the United States of America, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, VH1, VIVA, MTVNHD, Game One, BET, non-premium Paramount Pictures branded channels and Tr3s: MTV, Musica y Mas, a channel for US Hispanic audiences. In addition, Mr. Bakish is Chairman of the Board of Viacom 18 (the company’s joint venture in India, which operates the Colors Television Network as well as MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon) and is on the boards of the company’s Joint Ventures with BSkyB and Telecom Italia Media. He also serves on the board of the Avid Technology, a NASDAQ listed company.

Viacom International Media Networks
In 2011, Bakish assumed the role of President and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks Viacom brands -- which are among the world’s most popular premier multimedia entertainment offerings -- are seen globally in more than 600 million households in approximately 160 territories and more than 30 languages via approximately 160 locally programmed TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. Prior to this role, he was President of MTV Networks International.

Education and Early Career
Robert Bakish received an M.B.A from Columbia Business School in 1989 and a B.S. in Operations Research from the Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Science in 1985. After graduation, Bakish worked at AT&T in its network systems area., and later became a partner with Booz Allen & Hamilton in its Media and Entertainment practice, working with clients in the television, motion picture, book publishing, and new media industries across the world. He joined Viacom Inc. in 1997 as Senior Vice President of Planning, Development and Technology. In 2003, Bakish was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of MTV Networks Ad Sales, where he led the integration of CBS Cable, Comedy Central and College Television Network into MTV Networks as well as a broad range of other initiatives. He went on to become Executive Vice President of Operations and Viacom Enterprises, and played a key role in the separation of the Viacom and CBS companies and acquired Extreme Music.