Tag: Michael J. Dolan

  • Wade Davis named SVP of Mergers & Acquisitions at Viacom

    Wade Davis named SVP of Mergers & Acquisitions at Viacom

    MUMBAI: Viacom Inc. has appointed Wade Davis as senior vice president of Mergers & Acquisitions for new Viacom, following the separation of the organization into two publicly traded companies. Davis reports to Michael J. Dolan, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Viacom.

    Davis will be responsible for identifying and assessing potential mergers and acquisitions, managing new Viacom’s interactions with the banking and investment communities on strategic transactions, and leading the execution of any transactions the company is involved in, Viacom said in a media release.

    “Wade’s extensive M&A experience and leadership skills make him a perfect addition to the new Viacom team,” Dolan said. “His media, technology and telecommunications expertise couldn’t be a better fit for us as we begin our new life as a more nimble and focused company looking to capitalize on constantly emerging opportunities. Wade and I will be working closely to identify strategic acquisition opportunities that are consistent with new Viacom’s core capabilities, create shareholder value and strengthen our competitive position within the industry.”

    Prior to joining Viacom, Davis was an investment banker in the technology and media sectors for more than a decade. He was formerly a managing director, co-head of Investment Banking and head of Mergers & Acquisitions at ThinkEquity Partners.

  • Jay Kushner is Viacom VP, general tax counsel

    Jay Kushner is Viacom VP, general tax counsel

    MUMBAI: Media conglomerate Viaocm has announced that Jay Kushner has been appointed VP and general tax counsel. The announcement was made by Viacom executive VP and CFO Michael J. Dolan. Kushner, who reports to Dolan, will be responsible for the worldwide tax affairs of Viacom and its subsidiaries.

    Before joining Viacom Kushner was the Young & Rubicam executive VP and CFOBefore that, he served as Senior Vice President of Treasury and Tax at Y&R. In this position Kushner assisted Dolan and his executive team in the initial public offering and ultimate sale of the company. Prior to his time there, Mr. Kushner led the International Tax operations at PepsiCo and was an executive with Cooper & Lybrand.

    Doland said, Having worked with Jay at both PepsiCo and Young & Rubicam, I know the impact of his extensive expertise in domestic and international tax matters will be felt immediately at Viacom. And, as we navigate the intricacies of creating two new businesses at Viacom, his leadership and past experience will be invaluable. Hes the perfect addition to our already best-in-class Tax team and a critical asset to Viacom as we move into our next phase.

    Kushner said, I couldnt be more thrilled to join this exciting company at such an extraordinary time. I look forward to applying all the skills Ive developed over the last 24 years, and to helping Mike and his dedicated team through this history-making transition.

    Kushners appointment follows the unexpected death of Jack Carpenter in March 2005. Carpenter had held the position of VP and General Tax Counsel since May 2000.

  • Y&R’s Michael J Dolan joins Viacom as CFO

    Y&R’s Michael J Dolan joins Viacom as CFO

    MUMBAI: Media conglomerate Viacom has appointed Michael J. Dolan as its executive VP and CFO.

    Dolan will report to Viacom chairman and CEO Sumner Redstone. Dolan will assume his duties as CFO on 11 May.

    Dolan was formerly Young & Rubicam (Y&R) chairman and CEO. Y&R is a diversified advertising agency and marketing services company with 11,000 employees in approximately 100 countries and approximately $2 billion in net revenues.

    Redstone said, “Mike Dolan is a seasoned executive with extensive experience at creatively driven and brand-oriented companies. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership and skill at every stage of his career and has a proven record of success.

    ” As we continue to assess the possible separation of Viacom into two publicly-traded entities, we will benefit from Mike’s experience in successfully completing complex financial transactions, such as his flawless execution of the initial public offering of Young & Rubicam. We are extremely fortunate to have him join the Viacom team at this pivotal time in the Company’s history, and we’re confident that he will make significant contributions to our continuing success.”

    Dolan succeeds Richard J. Bressler, who served as CFO from March 2001. Bressler had notified Viacom in January that he would not be renewing his contract. He will work with Dolan to ensure a smooth transition of the financial functions.

    Dolan said, “This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a company that continues to be on the leading edge of its industry. I have always admired Viacom’s innovative content, unrivaled brands and creative excellence. I look forward to working with Sumner, Tom Freston and Leslie Moonves and with the company’s exceptional management team to maximise the long-term potential of Viacom’s businesses.”

    Talking about Bressler Redstone said, “We want to thank Rich for his years of service to Viacom. He made important contributions to the significant financial and operational strides we accomplished during his tenure. We wish him well as he moves on to new opportunities.”