Raju Venkataraman to head Disney Media Distribution

Raju Venkataraman has been named vice-president and general manager, Disney Media Distribution, which is the new business name for Disney-ABC International Television. It is the integrated media distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company.

Venkataraman will also continue in his capacity as vice-president, channel distribution, Disney Media Distribution Asia Pacific and report to Rob Gilby, managing director, Disney Media Distribution Asia Pacific.

Earlier, Venkataraman was in charge of business operations for Disney Channel in Southeast Asia before taking up the Channel Distribution mandate in June 2008. He has played a crucial role in building the network's portfolio channels including Disney, Disney XD and Hungama TV. 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.

"Venkataraman's strengths in critical functions such as finance, sales and business operations across the breadth of our business will help drive synergies between programme and channel distribution to further enhance the reach of our popular international and local content across multiple platforms," says Samat.

"We are committed to take Disney's vast and compelling portfolio of stories to as many Indian kids and families as possible and create a Disney generation in India," says Venkataraman.

Venkataraman has 22 years of experience in a variety of industries, both in India and in Southeast Asia. He is also a fellow member of CIMA, UK.