iWorld
Streaming service Spuul.com shuffles senior management
MUMBAI: The online streaming service for Indian cinema and TV shows – Spuul.com – has appointed a new CEO in Rajiv Vaidya to strengthen its position across markets, and bring in a focus on brand and ad-sales.
Speaking on the development Spuul’s co-founder and global CEO Subin Subaiah said in a statement: “Spuul has successfully established itself in India as a top of the line content platform and a front runner in the OTT space. With that set, the restructure will allow us to take the business to its next level of engagement with this fast evolving ecosystem. This will include expanding to new markets, generating access to the ballooning digital ad spends and building mutually beneficial partnerships.”
Vaidya joins Spuul from Hughes Networks. He was based in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he headed sales and marketing for US and later for the APAC region. He started his career in advertising with DDB Mudra and went on to head Triton BDDP in India.
Vaidya said: “Within a short span, the brand has garnered a tremendous customer base not only in India but also internationally. With online video consumption gaining popularity in India, I am excited to join the team to further enhance the brand promise amongst advertisers and consumers.”
Along with this appointment, Spuul’s current India-CEO, Prakash Ramchandani will move to the Spuul headquarter office based out of Singapore and assume a global responsibility of chief content officer. His portfolio will also include overseeing international marketing. Ramchandani held management positions across TV networks in India and then out of Sydney where he worked in the DTH space prior to moving to Mumbai to establish Spuul’s Indian subsidiary office.
Taking on the new role, Ramchandani said: “Having been involved with the company since inception and establishing its presence in India has been an extremely rewarding experience. Spuul is a global play and we want to connect with the broader audience base. Content has been the crux of the brand and I look forward to unlocking its value across key markets.”
iWorld
Serena Menon Netflix’s head of PR exits, likely to join Prime Video & Amazon MGM
After seven years at Netflix, India PR chief moves to Amazon’s studio fold
MUMBAI: Serena Menon is turning the page on a seven year run at Netflix, stepping down as director, public relations, India to join Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.
Her exit comes shortly after Das moved on as head, brand PR, prime video Apac, signalling a wider shuffle within Amazon’s streaming communications set up.
At Netflix, Menon most recently led the India publicity team, shaping the streamer’s reputation in one of its most competitive markets. As director, public relations, India, she oversaw strategy, brand positioning and high impact earned campaigns for both homegrown originals and international titles.
Before that, she served as director, photo and av studio, asia pacific, managing creative teams across India, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand, Taiwan and Southeast Asia. The brief was ambitious: craft the story behind the story and strengthen title campaigns with compelling visual narratives.
Her Netflix journey began in 2018 as manager, visual communications, India. She later became India lead, photo and av studio, building the team from scratch and putting in place the processes that helped scale operations in a fast growing market.
Prior to streaming, Menon built her editorial credentials at Elle Magazine as managing editor and associate editor, leading film and lifestyle coverage while collaborating on brand led initiatives. She earlier spent over six years at Hindustan Times, rising through roles including staff writer, senior staff writer, principal correspondent and assistant editor.
With a career that bridges newsroom rigour and global brand storytelling, Menon now steps into Amazon’s studio fold at a time when streaming competition is only getting sharper. Her next chapter promises to be as closely watched as the premieres she once publicised.
