New VP for ViacomCBS international business
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| 11 August 2020
With the company’s studio business playing a crucial part in its overall content ecosystem and contributing to near 50% average revenue growth since the firm's inception, ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) has appointed Kate Laffey as its new vice president.

Kate Laffey ViacomCBS 11Aug2020Laffey previously served as vice president of acquisitions at Cineflix Media’s UK-based distribution arm, Cineflix Rights, where she played a first-hand role in expanding the company’s third-party content offerings. Prior to that position, Laffey served as a senior acquisitions executive at ITV, where she was responsible for acquiring scripted and non-scripted content from third party producers, while also overseeing third party development and first look deals.

Effective immediately and based in London, Laffey (pictured) will report to Pierluigi Gazzolo, president, studios and streaming, ViacomCBS Networks International.

With direct oversight of all international studio development, production and commercial for VIS centrally, Laffey’s primary focus will be on growing VIS’ global studio footprint in all regions internationally. She will collaborate closely with the company’s domestic and cluster studio leads by sourcing the best local hits and expanding them globally to create a unified global business.

One of Laffey’s key responsibilities will be oversight of an expanded central team that will include international development and production and will lead VIS UK’s scripted sourcing for export. She will also align closely with VIS’ tape sales division, led by Lauren Marriott, as the company continues to grow its business around the world.

Commenting on the role, Gazzolo stated: “The phrase content is king has never been more pertinent than in today’s global streaming landscape, and I am confident that Kate will be a driving force in the evolution of our business for the future.” Laffey added: “As the company readies for the future, I see tremendous potential to grow its international formats business and capitalize on strategic opportunities to support VIS’ continued advancement.”