VIACOM MUSIC GIG GOES TO A HAPPY GILLMER

Viacom’s drive to put more music into MTV has a new exec at the controls, Bruce Gillmer, the music chief for Viacom International Media Networks. In addition to his current EVP of Music and Talent Programming and Events role, Gillmer is becoming Head of Music and Music Talent for Viacom’s Global Entertainment Group.

Gillmer is charged with overseeing the creation and execution of worldwide music initiatives, partnering with the Global Entertainment Group’s portfolio which includes MTV. He will work with Chris McCarthy, President of MTV, VH1 and Logo, to lead the MTV U.S. Music and Talent team in amplifying music across the channel. He

will also executive produce the MTV Video Music Awards and MTV EMAs.

Gillmer will continue to report to Bob Bakish, President and CEO of Viacom.

“We want to find even more powerful ways to connect artists and fans by leveraging our global scale, talent relationships, and programming expertise,” Bakish said. “Bruce is a passionate music industry leader who, during his tenure at MTV International, has orchestrated countless unforgettable performances, infused more music in the brand, and further established MTV as a worldwide leader in the space.”

Internationally, Gillmer will continue to oversee all talent, music, events and programming, while co-directing the creative vision and operations for MTV International in partnership with Kerry Taylor, Senior Vice President of MTV International and Chief Marketing Officer of VIMN UK.

Prior to joining the international team, Gillmer worked in the MTV U.S. Music and Talent department and was SVP of Music and Talent Relations for VH1 in the U.S. He has been involved in the development and production of MTV’s international awards shows, VH1 Divas Live, VH1 Hip Hop Honors and Behind the Music.

His first order of business was to put Martha Quinn on speed dial.