MAM
Jinisha Sharma announced as director of Capri Sports
Mumbai: While the Indian sports fraternity gears up for what is expected to be a riveting season, Capri Global is taking significant steps, making clear their intentions about setting the agenda in the Indian sports narrative. Sticking firmly with the theme, Capri Global proudly unveiled Jinisha Sharma as the director of Capri Sports, entrusting her with the leadership of all sporting initiatives, including both present endeavours and future investments.
Under the Capri Sports umbrella, there are currently four teams, namely, the Bengal Warriors in the PKL (Pro Kabaddi League), the Rajasthan Warriors in Ultimate Kho-Kho, while in cricket they have the Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20 in UAE, and the UP Warriorz in the WPL (Women’s Premier League) in India. Capri Sports’ most recent achievements have been finishing third in the WPL (Women’s Premier League) and assembling a strong squad at the recently concluded Pro Kabaddi League Auctions.
Before she entered into elite sports, Jinisha served as the principal of ESG & impact at Capri Global, where she prioritised sustainable development with a strong focus on gender equality. As a Trustee with Capri Foundation, she has worked closely with organizations and initiatives advocating action on the climate crisis, and safeguarding marginalised communities, further underscoring her commitment to a sustainable and equitable future.
With a personal passion for sustainable innovation and responsible investment, Jinisha has also founded the WorthWhile Future Foundation. This pioneering initiative is dedicated to amplifying awareness about the finance industry’s essential role in building a sustainable world and mobilizing all segments of society, including individuals, businesses, government, and institutions, to play an active part in this transformative journey.
Jinisha, a lifelong sports enthusiast, played a wide range of sports growing up but cricket held a special place in her life during the formative years and went on to spearhead the initiation of girls’ cricket at her boarding school. In every facet of her journey, Jinisha has been a staunch advocate for gender equality and is committed to actively fostering an environment where female athletes have equal opportunities, resources, and recognition, ensuring that women’s contributions to sports are celebrated on par with their male counterparts.
“Sport has always been very close to the hearts of the Capri family, and keeping with that, we want to ensure we make a long-lasting impact in that sense. With Jinisha stepping in and picking up the baton, we are confident that Capri Sports will soar under her able leadership,” said Capri Global managing director Rajesh Sharma.
“At Capri Sports, we’re here to leave an enduring mark in the world of sports. Win or lose, our aim is to be remembered as fierce competitors. As we step into the forthcoming sporting season, our focus is to not only preserve the Warrior spirit but to elevate it. Our commitment transcends the boundaries of the playing field. We are driven to continually enrich the Indian sports ecosystem, elevating experiences for our fans, all while safeguarding the environment that plays a vital role in our growth. It’s our way of celebrating the harmony between the beauty of nature and the spirit of sports,” Capri Sports director Jinisha Sharma.
MAM
Jeff Shell departs as president of Paramount Skydance
Media executive exits amid legal battle with professional gambler.
MUMBAI: Jeff Shell has just had another high-profile exit from a major media company and this time, the drama involves a $150 million lawsuit and allegations of leaked secrets. The former NBCUniversal CEO is stepping down as president of Paramount Skydance to focus on defending himself against a lawsuit filed by professional gambler R.J. Cipriani. Cipriani claims Shell owes him $150 million for crisis communications services and accuses the executive of sharing confidential information about Paramount Skydance, including details of a potential $111 billion Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition and a $7.7 billion UFC rights deal.
Paramount Skydance confirmed Shell’s departure on Wednesday, stating that he is leaving to prioritise the lawsuit. The company added that an independent investigation found no violation of securities laws by Shell.
In a strongly worded statement, Paramount Skydance described Cipriani’s claims as “frivolous and baseless” and said Shell had promptly notified the company of the accusations. Shell has filed a countercomplaint, accusing Cipriani of extortion and defamation.
This marks Shell’s second major exit in three years. He was ousted from NBCUniversal in April 2023 following an internal investigation into an “inappropriate” relationship with an employee who had filed a complaint of sexual harassment and sex discrimination. He joined Paramount Skydance in July 2024 as David Ellison’s right-hand man.
Shell was tasked with overseeing day-to-day operations during the integration of Skydance Media and Paramount Global. He played a key role in identifying cost savings and job cuts ahead of the potential Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
His sudden departure adds to the turbulence at Paramount Skydance as it navigates a massive merger, expected layoffs, and leadership transitions. David Ellison now faces the challenge of managing the brain drain while closing one of the biggest media deals in recent years.
In the cut-throat world of Hollywood dealmaking, Jeff Shell’s exit shows that even seasoned executives can find themselves caught in a plot twist they didn’t see coming. The credits on this particular chapter are still rolling.
