NEW YORK -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Tyra Banks announced today the appointment of Patrick Vien as President & COO of Bankable, effective immediately. Vien will join forces with Banks, to lead the global development and growth of Bankable. Bankable, founded in 2003 by Banks, is currently organized into several divisions: Bankable Digital, Bankable Studios and Bankable Books. Vien's appointment comes as Banks looks to further expand her brand into the global market and develop and diversify her business across media and other platforms.

"My goal has always been to make Bankable a first-in-class global company that builds businesses that support my core mission, expanding the definition of beauty," said Banks. "I'm confident that Patrick's in-depth, broad-based global media experience will advance Bankable's success in new and dynamic ways."

"It's extremely exciting to be working with Tyra Banks who is such a visionary executive," said Vien. "Together with the Bankable team, I believe we can continue to grow the scope and scale of this ground-breaking company."

Vien will be based in New York and will report to Banks.

Prior to joining Bankable, Vien served as Chairman & CEO of Warner Music International, where he held primary responsibility for the international recorded music division. Prior to that Vien was President of NBC Universal Global Networks. Vien received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from McGill University and earned his Masters in Business Communications from the University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication.

About Bankable

Bankable was established in 2003 by cultural icon and entrepreneur, Chairwoman & CEO Tyra Banks. Headquartered in New York City with production offices in Los Angeles, Bankable's operating units include Bankable Digital, Bankable Studios, and Bankable Books which recently announced the book series MODELLAND. Banks also founded the TZONE Foundation that empowers and seeks to raise the self-esteem of young women across the U.S.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6336552&lang=en

CONTACT:

Coburn Communication, Inc.
Lisa Israel, 212-730-7277
TyraPress@coburnww.com

Tyra Banks, Chairwoman & CEO of Bankable, with newly appointed President & COO, Patrick Vien. (Photo: Business Wire)