Disney ropes in Google Executive Sajith Sivanandan to lead Disney+ Hotstar

Google veteran Sajith Sivanandan has been appointed the executive vice president and head of Disney+ Hotstar, India’s leading streaming service, Disney’s International Content and Operations Group said on August 23

The appointment comes as Disney+ Hotstar enters a challenging period after losing the streaming rights for one of its biggest draws, the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, to Viacom18.

“I am delighted to have Sajith join our executive team and lead the innovative team at Disney+ Hotstar. His deep experience in the region, combined with his strong leadership and business management skills will greatly benefit Disney+ Hotstar as the platform embarks on its next phase of growth,” said Rebecca Campbell, Chairman, International Content & Operations, The Walt Disney Company.

Sivanandan, who built Google Pay in India, takes up his new role from October, with a dual reporting line to Campbell and K Madhavan, President, Disney Star and Country Manager, The Walt Disney Company, India.

He takes over from Sunil Rayan who quit the company in June after a stint of over two years. Money Control