A Look Into the Leadership Before the Merger Shakeup
With the $8.5 billion merger between Viacom18 and Disney Star nearing finalisation, the media landscape in India is set for a transformation. The merger will likely reshape the leadership of both companies, with some executives moving into more prominent roles and others potentially exiting. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key players leading Disney Star and Viacom18, and their potential impact post-merger.
The Leadership at Disney Star
K Madhavan: President and Country Manager
K Madhavan has driven Disney Star’s growth, focusing on regional programming and digital platforms like Disney+ Hotstar. His experience in both linear TV and streaming services makes him a critical figure in shaping the future of the merged entity.
Sanjog Gupta: Head of Sports
Overseeing 17 sports channels, Sanjog Gupta has been pivotal in Disney Star’s sports programming, including the IPL and ICC Cricket World Cup. His initiatives in regional sports broadcasts could help enhance the new entity’s sports vision.
Mani Rangarajan: Head of Finance & Strategy
Mani Rangarajan leads Disney Star’s financial and corporate strategies, ensuring profitability and growth. His financial acumen will play a crucial role as the merged entity navigates its future in the competitive media landscape.
Gurjeev Singh Kapoor: Head of Distribution and International
With over 25 years of experience, Gurjeev Singh Kapoor expanded Disney Star’s reach to 109 countries. His expertise in international markets and innovative pricing will be key in expanding the global footprint post-merger.
Ajit Varghese: Head of Network Advertising Sales
Ajit Varghese manages all advertising sales across Disney Star’s TV and digital platforms. His expertise in monetising digital spaces will help steer the merged company’s advertising strategy.
Krishnan Kutty: Head of Business and Content (South India & Maharashtra)
Krishnan Kutty oversees Disney Star’s regional portfolio, including channels like Star Maa, Vijay TV, and Disney+ Hotstar Specials. His deep understanding of regional content will be an asset to the merged entity’s regional strategies.
Sajith Sivanandan: Business Head of HSM and Content Head
Sajith Sivanandan leads Disney+ Hotstar’s growth in India. His expertise from global roles at Google adds a layer of innovation to the platform, potentially influencing the future digital strategy of the merged entity.
Sumanta Bose: Head of Content (Hindi)
Sumanta Bose shapes the content for Star Plus, Star Bharat, and Disney+ Hotstar Hindi. His decade-long tenure at Disney Star makes him a central figure in crafting Hindi content for the merged company.
George Cherian: Head of Corporate Communications & CSR
With 25+ years of experience, George Cherian has led corporate communications for Disney Star. His previous roles at Deutsche Bank and Barclays APAC could enhance the new entity’s public communications strategy.
Bikram Duggal: Head of Studios
Bikram Duggal manages Disney Star’s Studios business, overseeing global blockbusters and local productions. His leadership in film marketing could play a key role as the merged entity enhances its content creation efforts.
Mihir Rale: Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Mihir Rale handles all legal affairs at Disney Star, ensuring regulatory compliance and spearheading major acquisitions. His role will be vital as the merged company navigates legal challenges and ensures smooth transitions.
Minakshi Achan: Head of Brand Strategy
Minakshi Achan has led the brand strategy for Disney Star since 2016. Her creative campaigns for events like the IPL and ICC World Cup have positioned Disney Star as a market leader, and her role is likely to grow post-merger.
Rishi Gaind: Head of Human Resources
Rishi Gaind has shaped Disney Star’s people-centric policies and work culture. His experience in talent management will be key in navigating the human capital challenges of the merged entity.
The Leadership at Viacom18
Kevin Vaz: Head of Broadcast Entertainment
Kevin Vaz manages Viacom18’s entertainment portfolio, including Colors and MTV. His experience at Disney India makes him a critical figure in bridging the entertainment strategies of both companies.
Alok Jain: President of General Entertainment
Alok Jain leads Viacom18’s general entertainment expansion in Hindi and regional markets. His strategic insights could place him in a prominent role within the newly merged organisation.
Mahesh Shetty: Network Sales Head
Mahesh Shetty has driven Viacom18’s sales for over five years, focusing on data-driven strategies and building advertiser relationships. His leadership in revenue growth may be pivotal for the new entity’s financial success.
Kiran Mani: CEO of Digital Business
Kiran Mani leads Viacom18’s digital business, bringing over 30 years of experience, including time at Google. His customer-centric approach could help position the merged entity for success in the digital realm.
Ferzad Palia: Head of JioCinema
Ferzad Palia has spearheaded JioCinema’s growth, bringing deep expertise in youth and digital entertainment. His leadership will be vital in shaping the digital landscape for the combined entity.
Ishan Chatterjee: Chief Business Officer of JioCinema
Ishan Chatterjee manages monetisation at JioCinema, drawing on his extensive background in digital advertising. His role will be key in ensuring the profitability of the merged entity’s digital platforms.
Piyush Goyal: COO of IndiaCast Media
Piyush Goyal oversees channel distribution and content syndication for IndiaCast Media. His vast experience in distribution will help ensure the merged company’s content reaches diverse audiences worldwide.
Mukesh Mundra: Head of Finance
Mukesh Mundra manages Viacom18’s financial operations, with previous experience at Idea Cellular and Grasim Industries. His leadership in financial planning will be essential in guiding the new entity’s fiscal strategies.
Hashim Dsouza: Head of Content Strategy and Acquisitions
Hashim Dsouza leads content strategy for Viacom18’s digital ventures, including curating for platforms like Voot. His role in shaping the content portfolio will be crucial post-merger.
Pavithra KR: Head of Revenue for Hindi Mass Entertainment
Pavithra KR has driven revenue growth for Viacom18’s Hindi Mass Entertainment cluster. Her expertise in fostering strong brand relationships will support the merged company’s revenue initiatives.
Bikash Kundu: SVP & Head of Revenue for Regional Networks
Bikash Kundu leads the revenue operations for Viacom18’s regional networks. His experience across multiple languages and markets will be vital as the merged company deepens its regional presence.
K Aravamudhan: Head of Public Policy
K Aravamudhan, with over 17 years of public policy experience, guides Viacom18’s navigation of regulatory challenges. His expertise will be key as the merged company works closely with policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Sushant Sreeram: Chief Marketing Officer of JioCinema
Sushant Sreeram leads JioCinema’s marketing, focusing on growing its subscriber base and enhancing brand visibility. His prior experience at Prime Video India will prove crucial in the competitive OTT market.
A New Era in Indian Media
As Viacom18 and Disney Star prepare for their merger, these 26 leaders are poised to shape the future of India’s entertainment landscape. Whether they remain at the forefront of new leadership emerges, their influence will undoubtedly guide the trajectory of this high-profile merger.
