MUMBAI: DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. has announced the election of Tom Freston to its board of directors.

Tom Freston most recently served as Viacom president and CEO from January to September 2006. Prior to assuming this position, Freston was Viacom co-president and co-COO and previously, MTV Networks chairman and CEO. Under his leadership, MTV Networks grew to reach over 400 million households in 164 countries.

DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg said, “Tom is a tremendous addition to our distinguished Board of Directors and I’m pleased to welcome him to DreamWorks Animation. His wealth of leadership experience in the entertainment industry will serve the Company well.”

Freston commented, “I am excited to join the Board of such a dynamic and creative family entertainment company. I look forward to working closely with the whole team at DreamWorks Animation as it enters the next phase of its bright future.”

Freston currently serves on the board of the American Museum of Natural History and the board of Trustees for Emerson College in Boston. He has chaired numerous charity campaigns for leading organizations within the entertainment industry. Freston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Michael’s College and an M.B.A. from New York University.