MUMBAI: Viacom has announced the appointment of David A. Sutphen to the post of Senior Vice President, Government Relations. Sutphen, who previously served as vice president of government relations and legislative counsel for Viacom, will continue to be based in Washington D.C., and report to DeDe Lea, Viacom executive vice president of government relations.

In this new role, Sutphen will focus on cultivating and enhancing the company’s relationships with key third-party constituency organizations. In addition, he will continue to assist in the development and advocacy of the company’s public policy positions and will serve as Lea’s deputy in the day-to-day activities of the government relations function.

“David has been a key member of our team for the past four years,” said Lea. “With his legislative expertise and strong advocacy skills, he has played a central role in advancing Viacom’s position on a variety of important issues.  I look forward to working closely with him as we expand our advocacy outreach efforts and strengthen our relationships with the communities we serve.”

Sutphen joined Viacom’s Washington office in mid-2004 from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), where he served as Senior Vice President, Government and Industry Relations.