Hardy new Viber CMO

Viber on Wednesday appointed Mark Hardy as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Hardy brings a wealth of experience in digital, entertainment and branded content to the growing communications platform after previous senior positions at Bauer Media, Sony Music, Simon Cowell's Syco Entertainment and Sony PlayStation.

Hardy is tasked with the leadership of local Viber marketing teams in Brazil, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam. After establishing a global marketing office in London, he will expand Viber's network of marketing teams to new international territories.

"Prior to joining Viber, Hardy held senior marketing positions at leading entertainment, digital media and technology companies. Hardy comes to Viber from Bauer Media where he served as Group Digital Director, launching the ‘The Debrief', the company's first digital-only media brand," the company said in a ststatement.

Previously, he served as Strategic Planning Director for Sony Music and Marketing Director for Simon Cowell's Syco Entertainment, where he led marketing for the company's entertainment brands, including the global launch of One Direction.

In addition, as European Product Marketing Director at Sony PlayStation, Mark oversaw the launch of PlayStation hardware formats including PS3, as well as leading game titles ‘SingStar' and Gran Turismo racing.