Viacom International Media Networks has appointed chief operating officer James Currell as executive vice president managing director for VIMN UK, Northern and Eastern Europe.

In his new role, Currell will oversee all media networks and related businesses in 33 European countries.

“Viacom has transformed its UK presence and grown its footprint across Europe by increasing investment in quality local content and adopting an innovative approach to partnership and to the way our brands work together,” said Currell of his new appointment.

“I’m excited by the growth opportunities that exist in mature and emerging European markets, given Viacom’s scale and the enduring influence of our brands on TV and, increasingly, online.”

Simultaneously, Channel 5’s chief operating officer Paul Dunthorpe has been promoted to the same role for VIMN UK, Northern and Easter Europe, reporting to Currell, who himself reports to newly promoted VIMN president chief executive officer David Lynn who previously led UK operations.

“James has been integral to the stellar growth of our operations managed out of the UK, both before and after our acquisition of Channel 5,” said Lynn.

“He’s relentlessly strategic and inquisitive and has a fine understanding of the different needs of all our brands; I couldn’t be happier to have an executive of his calibre to promote from within and I look forward to working with him and Paul to continue developing the exciting momentum we’ve built in our business.”

Viacom’s UK operations have recently grown with annual profits up an average of 15% year on year since 2010.

Earlier in 2017, David Lynn was appointed president and chief executive officer of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN).