Sameer Nair gets a leg up as Star splits ops

Nair named CEO of Star Entertainment, and will also pursue growth opportunities in new media including wireless and the Internet.

In a significant organisational revamp, Star today split its Indian operations into two "� Star Group and Star Entertainment.

Peter Mukherjea will lead Star Group as its chief executive officer, responsible for all corporate functions such as legal, finance, government affairs, corporate communications as well as managing Star's investments including Tata Sky, Hathway, Balaji and MCCS. He will also spearhead development of new business opportunities in India.

Sameer Nair has been elevated to the post of chief executive officer, Star Entertainment. He will oversee all day-to-day operations including programming, marketing, advertising, sales and distribution of Star India.

He will also pursue growth opportunities in new media, including wireless and Internet. Mukherjea and Nair were the CEO and COO, respectively, of Star India.

Sources in the industry said the restructuring would provide more responsibility to Nair. "He will look after the day-to-day management of key operations of the company, while Mukherjea will be in charge of the performance of the corporate entity," observers said.

The structural change is part of the reorganisation taking place at Star's headquarters in Hong Kong. Steve Askew has been named president of Star Entertainment in addition to his current position of chief operating officer.

Mukherjea will continue to report to Michelle Guthrie, CEO, Star Group, Hong Kong, and Nair will report to Askew.