Anil Jayaraj, the CEO of Viacom18 Sports, has stepped down from his position after nearly three years at the helm. His resignation coincides with the ongoing merger between Reliance Industries-backed Viacom18 and Walt Disney’s Star India, a development reported by several media outlets familiar with the situation.
Jayaraj, a seasoned media executive with a career spanning almost 27 years, tendered his resignation on Monday, marking the end of his tenure. Under his leadership, Viacom18 Sports expanded its footprint significantly across television and digital platforms, including Sports18 and JioCinema. His tenure was marked by the acquisition of prestigious sports properties such as the digital rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL), BCCI media rights, Women’s Premier League (WPL), and the rights to broadcast the 2024 Olympics.
Before assuming the role of CEO at Viacom18 Sports, Jayaraj played a pivotal role in Disney Star’s sports network, Star Sports, where he spearheaded ad sales and devised monetization strategies for multiple IPL seasons across both Star Sports and Viacom18 platforms. His strategic insights and leadership contributed to making IPL one of India’s most lucrative and popular media properties.
Prior to his stint at Star Sports, Jayaraj held the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Pidilite Industries Limited, showcasing his proficiency in marketing and brand management. He also held senior marketing roles at BP and Castrol, further underscoring his deep-rooted expertise in the media and advertising sectors.
Viacom18 has not yet issued an official statement regarding Jayaraj’s resignation. However, sources close to the company confirmed his departure, emphasizing the timing amidst the ongoing corporate merger activities.
The resignation of Anil Jayaraj marks a notable transition in the leadership landscape of Viacom18 Sports, signaling both challenges and opportunities ahead as the company navigates through its merger with Star India under the stewardship of Reliance Industries.