All You Need To Know About The Two Africans Taking Over From Alex Okosi
February 29th would mark the end of an era in ViacomCBS, the company which houses some of the most watched TV channels in Africa including MTV Base, Nickelodeon and BET amongst others. Alex Okosi who has been at the helm of the company’s affairs since he launched MTV Base in the continent in 2005 is bowing out as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of VCN Africa and BET International. Ahead of his exit, ViacomCBS has announced Craig Paterson and Monde Twala as his replacements.
Let’s run you through everything you should know about the new General Managers, shall we?
Who is Craig Paterson?
Craig’s Instagram bio describes him as a proud father, wanderluster, tattoo collector, wine lover and demisexual among other things, and a quick scroll through his Instagram reveals that he is all of that.
But he is all of that and then some more. The South African media executive holds 2 degrees in Communications and Accounting, as well as an MBA in Finance from the University of Witwatersrand.
Craig’s almost 3-decade long career spans across a variety of roles in different media companies including a 9-year run as a Director at a South African media production company called Johnnic Communications.
In 2011, he joined Viacom as VP of Operations and Finance in Africa, holding the position for five years after which he made a brief detour and then returned in 2019 to serve as Senior Vice President, Business Operations – Africa.
When Craig is not getting a new tattoo or touring the world with his two kids Katya and Tyron, he is busy driving business growth and exploring more money avenues for ViacomCBS.
In March when he takes over as General Manager, VCN Africa, Paterson will be in charge of all things corporate including business development and strategy.
And Monde Twala?
Monde has a resume that will make you go green. And though his boyish looks belie it, Monde has over 20 years of experience working in media.
In 1999, he joined South Africa’s e.tv as a Sports Producer, and at the time of his exit 16 years later, he had worked his way up to the position of Managing Director.
Monde began his Viacom journey in 2016 as Vice President of ViacomCBS Networks Africa’s BET, Youth & Music brands, a position that put him in the driving seat of the growth of music, youth and entertainment brands BET, MTV, MTV Base and MTV Music24, across the continent.
In his new role as Senior Vice President & General Manager, Editorial VCN Africa, Monde’s core focus will be on content, editorial and marketing across all the company’s brands.
Not much is on the world wide web about Monde’s personal life, but a cursory glance at his social media reveals an undeniable love for family and – you guessed it – sports!
With their combined experiences and sheer brilliance which is reflected in the work they have done over the years, one can’t help but eagerly look forward to what the new era of VCN Africa will bring.
