K. Madhavan, Country Manager and President of Disney Star has stepped down after a 15-year tenure. Madhavan took over the role in 2019 after Uday Shankar’s departure. Madhavan joined Star India in 2009 as South Head, enhancing its regional entertainment portfolio.
He played a crucial role in shaping the company’s strategy and growth, overseeing the Disney, Star, and Disney+ Hotstar brands across General Entertainment, Sports, Direct-to-Consumer, and Studios.
Prior to this, he served as MD and CEO of Asianet from 2000-2008, where he played a crucial role in growing the channel to a dominant 50% market share in South India. He has been responsible for driving the growth of the business, focusing on innovation, and creating compelling content for consumers.
Madhavan joined Star India in 2009 as its South Head. Under his leadership, the company built a thriving regional entertainment portfolio.
Sources close to the development confirmed the update. Disney Star declined to comment.
A source close to the developments said, “Multiple senior leaders have stepped down due to the ongoing merger. There will be a few more exits in the top leadership team.”
In addition to his role at Disney Star, Madhavan was also President of the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF), Chairman of the National Committee of Media & Entertainment for the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Director of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India, and served on the board of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.