ViacomCBS boosts UK team with exec promotions

LR: Gemma Hewlett and Anna-Belen Dunlop

ViacomCBS Networks UK (VCN UK) has promoted Gemma Hewlett to VP of digital channels and Anna-Belen Dunlop to senior director of acquisitions with immediate effect.

Hewlett will now be responsible for leading on content strategy for ViacomCBS’s digital channel portfolio, which includes 5STAR, 5USA, 5SELECT, Paramount Network, MTV, MTV Music Pack, Comedy Central, Comedy Central Extra and BET. She will oversee all content, planning and scheduling and is tasked with optimising share of viewing across the UK portfolio.

Hewlett first joined ViacomCBS in 2009 and previously held the role of channel director for Channel 5’s digital portfolio. Prior to this, she was channel manager for 5STAR and has also held various positions in scheduling across MTV channels.

Dunlop’s new role, meanwhile, will see her lead the cross-portfolio acquisitions strategy for all ViacomCBS brands in the UK. Her expanded role means that she adds pay-TV channels MTV and Comedy Central to her existing remit, which spans all free-to-air channels, including Channel 5.

Dunlop has been with ViacomCBS since 2015. In her previous roles as acquisitions director and acquisitions and channel manager, she was responsible for leading the Channel 5 acquisitions team, defining and shaping the acquisitions strategy. Before this, she held an acquisitions role at Channel 4 and managed pay-per-view content for Sky Box Office.

Both Hewlett and Dunlop will report to Ben Frow, VCN UK’s director of programmes. He commented: “Gemma and Anna-Belen are proven driving forces within our business and I’m delighted with their highly deserved promotions.

“These are two pivotal roles supporting my expanded brief across the entire UK portfolio and I look forward to working with them even more closely to shape a cohesive programme strategy for VCN UK.”