Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has promoted Alex Okosi, the executive vice president and managing director of VIMN Africa to lead BET International as well and will now be in charge of VIMN Africa and BET in all markets outside of the United States.
In his expanded role, Alex Okosi, who remain based in Johannesburg in South Africa, will manage the development and overall strategy for BET International.
As the driving force behind VIMN Africa since mid-2003, Alex Okosi will continue to oversee the TV channels like MTV Base, MTV, Comedy Central Africa, Nickelodeon, NickJr., NickToons, VH1 Classic and BET Africa on the African continent that reaches 48 territories and more than 100 million viewers.
Meanwhile Jill Offman has been promoted to executive vice president and will now be the boss of the newly built out The Paramount Channel that is being positioned as Viacom's new premium channel.
The Paramount Channel is not yet available in South Africa on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform but now has 12 channel feeds and is available in 115 countries worldwide.
Jill Offman, besides being in charge of The Paramount Channel, will retain her current role as the head of Comedy Central International and managing director of MTV UK and Comedy Central UK.
Both Alex Okosi and Jill Offman will report to David Lynn, president and CEO of VIMN.
Additionally Jill Offman will continue to report to James Currell, the president and managing director of VIMN UKNEE, while Alex Okosi will continue to report to Raffaele Annecchino, the president and managing director of VIMN SWEMEA in regard to their existing cluster specific jobs.
"Alex Okosi expertly spearheaded the growth and expansion of Viacom in Africa and has overseen the creation of an incredible variety of content and experiences that spotlight the best of African-American and African culture and creativity," says David Lynn, president and CEO of VIMN.
"I look forward to seeing him bring that same passion and strategic approach to the BET brand in markets around the world."
