Viacom Adds Some Washington Muscle

David A. Sutphen has joined Viacom Inc. as vice president, government affairs and legislative counsel.

Sutphen had been senior VP, government and industry relations and legislative counsel at the Recording Industry Association of America.

In his new role at Viacom, he will oversee the development and advocacy of the company's public-policy positions on matters before Congress and the administration, with particular emphasis on intellectual property and Judiciary Committee issues.

Sutphen will be based in Viacom’s Washington, D.C., office and report to senior VP of government affairs Carol Melton.