Announces Disney Media Distribution as the new business name for Disney-ABC International Television
The Walt Disney Company in India today named Raju Venkataraman, as vice president and general manager, of the newly named Disney Media Distribution. Disney Media Distribution (DMD) is the new business name for Disney-ABC International Television – the integrated media distribution arm of the Walt Disney Company. In his new role, Raju will report to Mahesh Samat, managing director, The Walt Disney Company India Pvt. Ltd. Together with his team, he will be responsible for the licensing of branded and non-branded content to all platforms including free-to-air, cable and satellite broadcasters, mobile, broadband and VOD platforms. In addition, Raju will also continue in his capacity as vice president of channel distribution for Disney Media Distribution, Asia Pacific and continue to report to Rob Gilby, managing director, Disney Media Distribution Asia Pacific.
Raju has played a crucial role in building the Disney’s network of channels – Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV - as a preferred entertainment destination among kids and families in India. He was part of the core team that delivered a multi-year agreement with Sun Distribution Services for the distribution of Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV across multiple platforms in India in March 2010.
“Raju has been a key contributor in building the reach and relevance of the Disney brand in India. His strengths in critical functions such as finance, sales and business operations across the breadth of our business will help drive synergies between program and channel distribution to further enhance the reach of our popular international and local content across multiple platforms,” said Mahesh Samat.
Commenting on Raju’s new role, Rob Gilby said, “Raju’s expanded role will enable Disney to leverage his expertise to rapidly grow our business with existing and new media distribution partners in India, while tapping into exciting new opportunities to make the Disney Channels network available to families and kids across platforms and markets in Asia Pacific.”
“I am excited to lead the Disney Media Distribution team as we work towards creating a Disney generation in India. We are committed to take Disney’s vast and compelling portfolio of stories to as many Indian kids and families as possible,” said Raju Venkataraman.
Raju will oversee the team in India comprised of Manju Nair, associate director, program distribution and Venkat Ramana, director, channel distribution, India and South Asia, for Disney Media Distribution. Manju will be responsible for strategically developing and managing the content distribution business in India whereas, Venkat will be in charge of increasing the reach and revenue of Disney network of channels through distribution on multiple platforms across India and South Asia.
Previously Raju Venkataraman was in charge of Business Operations for Disney Channel in South East Asia prior to taking up the Channel Distribution mandate in June 2008. Venkataraman has 22 years of experience in a variety of industries both in India and in South East Asia and is a Fellow Member of CIMA, UK.
About The Walt Disney Company in India
Disney is a Dow 30 Company, had annual revenues of over US$36 billion in its most recent fiscal year, and a market capitalization of US$68.45 billion as of May 10th, 2010. Worldwide, The Walt Disney Company has approximately 144 000 employees.
The Walt Disney Company (India) Private Limited opened in July 2004 with its head office located in Mumbai. In less than five years, Disney has established a strong foothold in this diverse and highly dynamic market. Disney in India employs around 161 permanent staff, and anticipates accelerated growth across Media Networks, Interactive media group, Consumer Products, and Studio businesses. Outside of the U.S., India is one of the largest markets Disney has invested in for local production. The Disney Television Network comprising Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV has consistently been one of the leading networks for kids in Cable & Satellite (C&S) programming. The network currently reaches over 71 million C&S homes, offering a blend of quality entertainment and distinct original programming that kids love and families trust and enjoy. Through a block called Disney Jadoo on the terrestrial network Doordarshan, Disney Channel reaches over 145 million homes.
About Disney Media Distribution (formerly Disney-ABC International Television - DAIT)
Disney Media Distribution is the distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company responsible for the licensing of branded and non-branded entertainment to all platforms in Asia Pacific including free-to-air, cable and satellite broadcasters, DTH and mobile, broadband and VOD platforms. Its program portfolio includes quality feature films, critically-acclaimed network television series, ABC news programming, the very best in animation and prestigious specials such as the Academy Awards. Disney Media Distribution also oversees channel distribution of the much-loved Disney Channels which are distributed on all major pay TV platforms in the region.
