Viacom creates new top post for international unit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Viacom Inc highlighted the importance of its international properties by creating the position of president and chief executive of Viacom International Media Networks.

The company, home to cable networks such as MTV and the movie studio Paramount Pictures, said Wednesday it appointed Robert Bakish to the post.

In his new position, Bakish is responsible for the company's international media properties including the MTV and BET Networks as well as some Paramount branded networks in 160 countries and territories. He reports to Viacom Chief Executive Philippe Dauman.

"The development of our international business is a major priority and Bob is the ideal choice to lead the global charge for Viacom's media networks," Dauman said in a statement.

Bakish, who joined Viacom in 1997, was most recently president of MTV Networks International. He will continue to serve as chairman of Viacom 18, the company's joint venture in India, and as a member of the boards of Viacom's joint ventures with British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc, or BSkyB, and Telecom Italia Media SpA.

(Reporting by Jennifer Saba, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)