Biography
Bruce Gillmer is President of Music, Music Talent, Programming and Events, ViacomCBS Media Networks, guiding the company's strategy to align and optimize all music-driven initiatives across the ViacomCBS portfolio. He reports to Bob Bakish, President and Chief Executive Officer, ViacomCBS.
Over the course of his career, Gillmer has engineered many culturally defining moments in music, including the historic U2 and Jay-Z collaboration at the Brandenburg Gate for the 2009 MTV EMAs, and numerous performances by icons ranging from Lady Gaga to Andrea Bocelli. He has also executive produced some of the world's largest music events, including several MTV VMAs and 13 MTV EMAs. Gillmer was recently responsible for the global launches of MTV Unplugged at Home and the MTV Prom-athon livestream, engaging fans and connecting them with their favorite artists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, Gillmer oversees talent, development and programming of music content, series and specials, and tentpole events for ViacomCBS Entertainment & Youth Brands (E&Y) and ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), in partnership with E&Y Group President Chris McCarthy and VCNI President and CEO David Lynn. Additionally, he chairs the ViacomCBS Music Council, a cross-company initiative to unify ViacomCBS' music programming, talent and events strategy, and to extend its leadership in the music content space. Gillmer also directs the strategy for and development of music content on ViacomCBS' expanded streaming offering.
Gillmer previously served as Head of Global Music and Executive Vice President, Music & Talent, Programming & Events for Viacom International Media Networks since 2010. He and his team have created and produced numerous music series, specials and initiatives, most recently MTV Fresh Out Live!; the reimagined, local versions of YO! MTV Raps internationally; MTV documentary series The Ride; and MTV Push, a global initiative to spotlight new music talent.
Prior to his international and global roles, Gillmer was Senior Vice President of Music and Talent Relations for VH1 in the U.S., where he was deeply involved in the co-development and production of shows, series and events, including VH1 DIVAS LIVE; VH1 Hip Hop Honors; VH1 Fashion Awards; and Behind the Music, among others. He began his career in the MTV Music and Talent department in 1987, working on such iconic series and specials as Headbangers Ball, MTV Spring Break and YO! MTV Raps.
Gillmer graduated from Indiana State University with a B.S. in Music and Marketing.
