Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom, has named Nicholas Walters vice president, general manager for Russia and the CIS. The newly created position is responsible for strategy, development and execution of local operations out of the brand-new Moscow office. Walters will also oversee corporate development for VIMN’s emerging markets region.

Over the past year, Walters has increased distribution across the region by 70 percent, says VIMN. Key deals include acquisition of the kids’ property Kikoriki and a terrestrial content deal with Russian TV network TNT, which will see 250 hours of localized Nickelodeon content distributed to 30 million households.

Walters will also continue to focus on the international roll out of Viacom Blink! following the brand new channel’s launch in Poland last month.

"Russia is major priority for VIMN, with good momentum building across the business,” says Bhanvneet Singh, managing director and executive vice president, emerging markets, VIMN. “We also have a stretching set of targets for growth and Nicholas’ appointment will guide the company through its next phase of growth and expansion.”