Viacom International Media NetworksThe Americas has named Carlos Penzini brand manager of 24-hour hour movie channel Paramount Channel Latin America.
Penzini, currently senior vice president of strategy and business development for VIMN, will continue in that role as well as be responsible for the content and brand management of the new networks, expected to launch in November. Based in Miami, Penzini will report directly into Pierluigi Gazzolo, COO of VIMN and interim managing director for VIMN The Americas.
Viacom International Media Network’s first Paramount Channel launched in Spain in April 2012. Since its introduction, the 24-hour movie network has experienced solid ratings gains, growing 51% year over year, with a 2.1% market share. In France, Paramount Channel has solidified its position as one of the top movie channel in the region with an average monthly viewership of over 5 million. In addition to Spain and France, the channel is available in Russia, Romania and Hungary, reaching a total of over 30 million viewers globally.
“The Paramount brand inspires consumers around the world with exceptional storytelling and high caliber entertainment, while celebrating the industry of cinema,” said Gazzolo in a statement. “Paramount Channel continues to drive strong momentum around the world and we look forward to Penzini expanding our market leadership in Latin America by delivering the classics in a contemporary space that deeply connect with future generations.”
As SVP of strategy and business development, Penzini has been instrumental in The Americas aggressive expansion strategy, leading multiple channel launches, new market assessments and strategic partnerships. In 2013, Penzini led the operational takeover of MTV in Brazil, which currently reaches over 13 million Pay TV households and ranked #16 among the core 12-24 demo in its first 6 months. In 2012, he spearheaded the launch of Comedy Central in Latin America, and in 2011, he spearheaded the rebrand of Tr3s in the US.
Penzini joined MTV Networks Latin America in 2009 as Director of Strategy and Business Development. Previously, he served as Strategy Consultant at The Boston Consulting Group in San Francisco, where he worked with clients in the technology and media sectors. Prior to this, he was at Amazon.com, on the Kindle division, and previously an Entrepreneur in South America.
Born in Venezuela, Penzini has a MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, a Master of Sciences in Finances form the IESA and a Degree in Engineering from the Metropolitan University of Venezuela.
