Simon Leslie has joined ViacomCBS Consumer Products as its new Vice President for Southern Europe, Middle East and North Africa.

In the new role, he will be responsible for licensing revenues and managing teams across France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, the Middle East and Africa, which make up a subsection of the newly structured VCP team for EMEAA. Simon will also oversee the retail sales and marketing division across the region, and manage global partnership activity locally with the heads of markets, regions and categories.

Splitting his time between ViacomCBS Networks International’s offices in London and Madrid, he will dual report to Mark Kingston, Senior Vice President, International Licensing of VCP and Thomas Goller, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ViacomCBS Networks International EMEA and Asia.

Mark Kingston says: “Simon has comprehensive knowledge of consumer products and the ability to adapt global strategies to local market needs and opportunities, which will help us grow our international presence and support our partners in Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Simon is a stellar addition to the team responsible for these important territories.”

Simon brings more than 20 years' experience in consumer products across Europe and South America, most recently serving as Managing Director at Hasbro Italy. Prior to that he was MD at Hasbro Chile, and built the toy company’s market presence in Portugal after climbing the ranks at Hasbro UK.

Additionally, Felix Ruoff, VP, Northern and Eastern Europe will manage ViacomCBS’ licensing business and teams across Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Nordics, Poland, Central Eastern Europe and Russia. Based in Germany, Ruoff will also report to Mark and Thomas. Venetia Davie, Vice President of VCP will continue to lead VCP’s UK, Ireland & Israel business, managing the London-based team and reporting to MArk.