Uday Shankar (businessman)
Uday Shankar (born 16 September 1962) is an Indian media executive and former journalist.[1] As of 2019, he is President of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, and chairman of Star India and The Walt Disney Company India.
Uday Shankar | |
|---|---|
.jpg.webp) Uday Shankar in a conference | |
| Born | September 16, 1962 |
| Alma mater | Patahi High School, New Delhi Times School of Journalism |
| Occupation | President, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific Chairman, Star India Chairman, The Walt Disney Company India |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Employer | The Walt Disney Company |
| Awards | Best CEO at Forbes India Leadership Award 2015 |
Early life
Uday Shankar was born on 16 September 1962 in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. His father was a civil engineer by profession and wanted to see his son as a civil servant. However, he chose a career of journalist, much to his father's disappointment.
Shankar got his early education from his native place. He moved to Delhi to pursue his master's degree in Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University.[2] He tried for the Civil Services Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and passed the preliminary and main rounds too.
But even though some of his friends were selected, Shankar could not clear the interview. In spite of trying for second time, Shankar got enrolled at Times School of Journalism in Delhi.
Career
Uday Shankar started his career as a political correspondent with The Times of India at Patna. After a brief stint with Times of India He came back to Delhi and worked for environmental magazine Down to Earth.
Shankar began his career in the TV-News industry at Zee TV as a news producer and rise rapidly. From Zee TV, he moved to Home TV, Sahara Samay, Aaj Tak and finally Star News as its chief executive officer (CEO).
Later, he was appointed as chairman and CEO of Star India to oversee its entire broadcasting operations.
On December 5, 2017, Shankar was appointed as president of 21st Century Fox for Asia. The new role would oversee Fox's television and online video platform business across the region, and the President of Fox Networks Group Asia would report to Shankar.[3]
On 13 December 2018, The Walt Disney Company announced that Shankar would lead Disney's Asian Pacific region and chairman of Disney India after the acquisition of 21st Century Fox closes.[4] On 1 April 2019, Shankar, as the president Disney Asia Pacific, announced the restructuring of the complete entity of Star India and Disney.[5]
On 8th of October 2020, he has stepped down from his current role of President - APAC, The Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International and Chairman Star & Disney India, he will be transitioning out by 31st December 2020. [6]
He also serves as the Vice President of FICCI. Earlier, he served with the same as the President of the M&E (Media & Entertainment) sector. [7]
Awards
References
- Ojha, Abhilasha (December 2012). "Uday Shankar's rise to the top of the television world". The Caravan. Retrieved 2019-12-30.
- "Star trek: The story of Uday Shankar". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
- Frater, Patrick (December 5, 2017). "Uday Shankar to Head 21st Century Fox in Asia". Variety. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
- Clarke, Stewart (13 December 2018). "Disney Sets Out International Leadership Team Post-Fox Deal". Variety. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
- Frater, Patrick (2019-04-01). "Disney Gives Leadership Roles to Several Fox Staffers in Asia Reshuffle". Variety. Retrieved 2019-04-02.
- "Uday Shankar quits as Star & Disney India Chairman". economictimes.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
- "FICCI". ficci.in. Retrieved 2019-12-22.
- "Uday Shankar, CEO Star India receives Mumbai Press Club's RedInk award". indiainfoline.com. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
- "Uday Shankar receives W Bengal govt award". mxmindia.com. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
- "Uday Shankar: Making Star shine". forbesindia.com. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
External links
- Profile at Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International Media Center