Gurjeev Kapoor, Disney Star’s Head of Distribution and International Markets, has likely decided to depart from the company.
Kapoor’s departure coincides with the impending finalisation of an $8.5 billion merger between Reliance and Disney’s Indian assets.
As per reports, Kapoor has decided not to take a position in the Viacom18 and Disney Star joint venture, choosing instead to embark on an entrepreneurial journey within the entertainment industry.
Kapoor led TV distribution for Disney Star, driving expansion across India and over 109 countries globally. His efforts strengthened the network’s presence in major regions such as the UK, Europe, the U.S., the Middle East, Africa, and APAC. Kapoor successfully managed a revenue stream surpassing $600 million.
He has played a pivotal role in broadening access to sports for Indian audiences, championing the adoption of the Star Sports portfolio across semi-urban and rural regions, and expanding its reach through multiple regional languages. Additionally, he strengthened the portfolio’s presence in regional markets, securing a strategic foothold in the southern and other regional key areas.
Kapoor’s achievements at Disney Star include spearheading the partnership business for Disney+ Hotstar. Before this, he also led key distribution efforts for major media giants such as Sony, ESPN Star Sports, and Discovery.
The merger between Reliance Industries’ Viacom18 and Walt Disney’s Star India is set to conclude in November 2024, as per reports, pending regulatory approvals in India. This merger will create India’s largest media and entertainment conglomerate, with a valuation of $8.5 billion.
Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance had in February this year signed a binding agreement with Disney to merge the media operations in India, the world’s most populous country with diverse demography that consumes high volume of media content.
