Google's Kiran Mani has been hired by Viacom18 to serve as the CEO of the digital division. Mani now serves as the General Manager and MD for Asia Pacific for Google Play and Android. Mani will be in charge of leading the expansion of JioCinema, which has upended the video streaming industry with its free offer, as the head of the digital division.
By offering free streaming of major media franchises like Bigg Boss and the Indian Premier League (IPL), JioCinema hopes to expand its audience. Additionally, it is increasing its expenditures in original OTT content. The platform offers a subscription service as well as an ad-supported one, both of which feature Hollywood content from companies like HBO and NBCUniversal.
Recently, Viacom18 has been actively recruiting as Uday Shankar, who is providing the business with strategic direction, assembles a new executive group. As CEO of TV and digital (regional entertainment), Kevin Vaz, who led the entertainment sector at Disney Star, has joined the organization.
Alok Jain, a further ex-executive from Disney Star, has joined Viacom18 as President and Head of Colors Hindi and Regional, with the additional responsibility of managing the regional rollout of digital programming. Formerly the head of Star Sports' advertising sales, Anil Jayaraj is now the CEO of Viacom18's sports division. He started working there in 2021.