NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) announced today that it has discontinued the exploration of a potential combination with CBS following receipt of National Amusements’ letter and request, and dissolved the Special Committee that was formed to evaluate a potential transaction. It has appointed Bob Bakish as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board, effective immediately.

Mr. Bakish has served as Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of Viacom since November 15. He has held leadership positions throughout the organization since joining in 1997, most recently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Viacom International Media Networks prior to his Acting CEO role.

Tom May, Chairman of the Board, said, “In Bob’s short time as Acting President and CEO he has impressed the Board of Directors with the decisive steps he has taken. He has moved quickly to deliver upon the mandate given to him – to maximize Viacom’s potential as a strong, growing and independent company. We have great confidence in Bob’s strategic vision and his ability to move forward aggressively to position Viacom for the future.”

Shari Redstone, Vice Chair of the Board, said, “I am very excited by the strategy Viacom is pursuing under Bob’s leadership, as well as the relentless hard work and passion he has demonstrated not only in his fast start at the helm but in his many years at the company. While there is much work to do, I firmly believe that Viacom has a bright future, and that confidence is underpinned by senior management’s commitment to innovation and a more coordinated, global approach to managing our brands.”

Bob Bakish, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “I am honored to be chosen by the Board to lead Viacom, its world-class brands and exceedingly talented people. I believe unequivocally in this company and its potential to create new opportunities and drive greater value as our business evolves and our industry transforms. We've been working very quickly to mobilize the organization, reenergize our culture and address our areas of greatest need. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Board and our team to build on this momentum, and will share more on our plan and path forward in the New Year.”

About Bob Bakish

Prior to his Acting CEO role, Bob Bakish was President and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), and its predecessor company MTV Networks International, since 2007, with oversight of all of Viacom’s media networks and related businesses outside the U.S. In this role, he drove the development of its international portfolio of core TV brands, with MTV and Nickelodeon being joined by Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, BET, Spike and Nick Jr. on pay and free TV platforms worldwide. In addition, Bakish has overseen the creation and growth of the company’s Viacom18 Indian joint venture, which includes the Colors general entertainment networks, as well as the acquisition of Channel 5 in the U.K., and Telefe in Argentina.