Bob Bakish is a prominent figure in the media and entertainment industry, currently serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Paramount. With an impressive portfolio of global brands and streaming platforms under his purview, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in driving growth and innovation.
Born with a passion for media and entertainment, Bakish’s journey began when he joined Viacom in 1997. Over the years, he held various senior positions within the company, showcasing his expertise in corporate strategy, sales, and development. His dedication and strategic thinking propelled him to the role of President and CEO of Viacom in December 2016, where he spearheaded the revitalization of Viacom's core businesses.
One of Bakish’s notable achievements was the successful merger of Viacom and CBS. With a clear vision in mind, he played a pivotal role in transforming and merging the two companies, fostering a best-in-class leadership team, and aligning the business around strategic growth priorities, with a particular focus on streaming. This merger marked a significant turning point in the company's trajectory and set the stage for Paramount to become a powerhouse in the industry.
Bakish’s forward-thinking approach led to the creation of a unified global streaming organization and strategy. This move aimed to maximize Viacom CBS content across pay, free, and premium streaming services, catering to diverse and important audiences worldwide. By expanding Viacom's presence in the digital realm and live experiences, Bakish orchestrated key acquisitions such as Pluto TV, Awesomeness, and VidCon. These acquisitions not only expanded Viacom's reach but also introduced new young audiences to their brands and intellectual property.
Before his role as President and CEO of Viacom, Bakish served as President and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) since 2007. Under his guidance, VIMN experienced tremendous growth, doubling its revenues and expanding its portfolio with the launch of new pay-TV networks globally. Bakish's strategic prowess allowed VIMN to extend its influence across continents, including the acquisitions of Spike and the Paramount Channel, as well as the launch of broadcast networks like Channel 5 in the U.K., Telefe in Argentina, and Colors in India.
His educational background also speaks volumes about his commitment to excellence. Bakish holds an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.S. in Operations Research from Columbia's School of Engineering and Applied Science. In recognition of his achievements, he serves on the boards of both schools, contributing his expertise and guiding future generations of business leaders.
Beyond his professional endeavors, he is also a Board Director of AVID Technologies, a NASDAQ-listed company, further demonstrating his ability to contribute to diverse sectors and leverage his experience in driving success.
With a keen eye for emerging trends and a relentless focus on innovation, Bakish remains at the forefront of the industry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.