Pamela Kaufman named president of Viacom/Nickelodeon Consumer Products

With focus on the global consumer products business, Viacom Inc. has named Pamela Kaufman as the President, Viacom/Nickelodeon Global Consumer Products. In her new role Kaufman will lead worldwide licensing and merchandising and provide strategic focus on maximizing Viacom’s portfolio of brands and iconic franchise properties, including Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, MTV’s Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, Comedy Central’s South Park, Paramount Pictures’ The Godfather and Grease, among others. A Nickelodeon veteran, Kaufman will report to Cyma Zarghami, President of Nickelodeon, and David Lynn, President and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks. She previously served as President of Consumer Products and Chief Marketing Officer for Nickelodeon, managing both business and franchise strategy for Nick’s multi-billion-dollar global consumer products business. Commenting on the appointment, Bob Bakish, President and CEO of Viacom said, “Expanding and diversifying our consumer products businesses around the world is a key strategic initiative that will help drive Viacom’s future growth. The exceptional leadership and vision Pam has demonstrated at Nickelodeon make her a natural fit for this exciting new position, and her appointment will accelerate our efforts in building this important global business.” Kaufman has been the force behind some of Nickelodeon’s most iconic, long-lasting franchises including SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and PAW Patrol. Under her leadership, Kaufman’s teams have delivered exciting and innovative products and designs for all demos and aisles in every market. Kaufman has received numerous industry accolades, including Advertising Age’s Entertainment Marketer of the Year, Brandweek’s Grand Marketer of the Year, License Global’s list of Influentials, and Multichannel News’ roster of Wonder Women. A passionate advocate for women and families, Kaufman is also a board member of Bottomless Closet, a not-for-profit that prepares women for workplace success, and of the Pace Women’s Justice Center.