Viacom18 opens office in Dubai

Viacom18 has announced the opening of an office in Dubai to manage sales, marketing and distribution of its channels in the Middle East and Africa markets. According to the network, this has been done with a view of solidifying presence and further expanding its viewer base in the region. This is Viacom18's second office overseas after opening its first international office in USA in September 2010.

Colors is the first channel from the network to set up an in-house ad sales team from this new office. Till December 2011, ad sales in this region was being represented by its distribution partner Pehla. The newly formed ad sales team appointed by Sachin Gokhale, director, business operations – Middle East & Africa, will be spearheaded by Brendan D’Souza, account director.

Commenting on the development, Gaurav Gandhi, head of international business and chief operating officer of Sun18 North, said, “The entertainment industry in the Middle East holds a remarkably high potential for South Asian channels. With the ever-increasing demand for Indian content and Colors’ rising popularity in the region, we have decided to set up our regional Middle East operations. We take this opportunity to thank our longstanding partners Pehla for their unwavering support through our journey.”