Key leaders step up and others depart as Disney Star and Viacom18 unite, ushering in a new era in Indian media
The Reliance – Viacom18 – Disney Star India merger is moving in a fast pace. As per sources Star India employees’ emails migrated to a new domain, jiostar.com, signaling that the merged entity may be called “Jio Star.” The merger’s completion is expected to be officially announced after a board meeting led by Nita Ambani on Wednesday.
The merger process has seen several leadership changes. Kevin Vaz and Kiran Mani, the CEOs of Viacom18’s broadcast and digital clusters, will take on co-CEO roles in the new entity. Vaz, formerly with Disney Star, will lead the broadcast and entertainment segments, while Mani, a former Google executive, will head digital and sports.
On November 8, Ferzad Palia, Business Head of JioCinema, stepped down. Other recent exits include Mihir Rale, Disney Star’s legal head, who left in late October, and K Madhavan, who is stepping down as Disney Star’s Country Manager and President. Sajith Sivanandan, head of Disney+ Hotstar, is also departing.
In recent appointments, JioCinema brought on Ishan Chatterjee, formerly of YouTube, as Chief Business Officer, and Sushant Sreeram as Chief Marketing Officer.
Following the merger, the conglomerate plans to make Disney+ Hotstar its flagship streaming platform, featuring high-profile content, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), domestic cricket, and ICC events.
Sources also confirm that Gurjeev Singh Kapoor, Disney Star India Distribution and International Head has resigned.