Viacom Appoints Bleakley As Joint Managing Director

Viacom Outdoor has appointed Tim Bleakley as its new joint managing director, replacing Clive Punter, who has been promoted to the role of chief operating officer of sales and marketing working across Europe.

Bleakley joins from Emap Advertising where he has spent the last three years as broadcast sales director with responsibility for radio stations such as Kiss and Magic. Prior to this he worked for talkSPORT under Wireless Group chairman Kelvin MacKenzie.

The new position will see Bleakley take over Punter’s former role overseeing Viacom’s sales and marketing activities. He will also work alongside managing director Andrew Oldham to head up the company’s franchise and delivery operations.

Commenting on his appointment, Bleakley said: “There are few companies I would have left Emap for but Viacom Outdoor is one of them. The company has taken a significant lead in the incredible growth in outdoor revenue and in building the profile for the out of home sector. This is underpinned with a strong culture and values. I am looking forward to the challenge of driving and maintaining the momentum on both these fronts.”

Viacom claims the new senior management appointments are part of a major long-term strategy designed to drive the company forward. European chief executive, Tom Goddard, said: “The new positions add strength to the European team and support our ambitious expansion plans. We’re especially excited about Tim joining us. He brings valuable experience of other media and is a big hitter in the world of media sales. We think culturally he’s a great fit with Viacom Outdoor and will provide an injection of additional experience to the senior team.”

Earlier this year Viacom doubled its national rail advertising business by snatching the £9 million First Rail contract from rival Maiden Outdoor. The lucrative five-year contract represented a major coup for the company, giving it the exclusive rights to sell all outdoor poster formats on the full range of stations owned and operated by First Group Trains in the UK (see Viacom Doubles Rail Business With First Group Win).

Viacom Outdoor: 020 7478 5240 www.viacom-outdoor.co.uk

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