News Broadcasting
Three senior executives exit Star Group
MUMBAI: There is some major churn happening at Star Group’s head office in Hong Kong. Three senior executives – Digital Platforms Group president Altaf Alimohamed, advertising sales executive V-P Toby Hayward and marketing and corporate communications senior V-P Mani Rao – have resigned in the last one month, it is reliably learnt.
The exits have come ahead of the Star Group shifting to Hong Kong G Jagdish Kumar, chief operating officer (COO) in the direct-to-home (DTH) joint venture company with the Tatas, Space TV.
DTH and distribution are two areas of the business that Star Group CEO Michelle Guthrie has taken personal charge of, according to industry sources. Guthrie will have a very hands on role to play on both these fronts in the coming months, the sources say.
Meanwhile, as already reported in the media, Kumar would be handling the financial operations of Star for the entire Asian region, including the key markets of India and China. Kumar, who is making a return to the finance side at Star with this move, would be reporting directly to CFO and executive V-P business development John Lau.
As regards replacements for the three executives who have left, information available with indiantelevision.com indicates that an announcement regarding the person who will take over Hayward’s portfolio is expected in due course. The other two positions are, however, likely to remain vacant.
When contacted, Star India CEO Peter Mukerjea said he had no comment to offer on the reported developments.
Hayward was responsible for the advertising sales operations for Star channels in Hong Kong and the company’s regional sales offices around the world. He also oversaw Star’s research, sales traffic and presentation, client communications and sponsorship activities. Additionally, he coordinated sales and communications between the international and local sales teams based in India, Taiwan and the Middle East.
Alimohamed headed the development of digital platform operations in India. He also oversaw Star’s subscription television services in the Middle East and Pakistan.
Rao oversaw marketing, branding, corporate affairs, public relations and the marketing of creative services across Star’s brands and businesses. Rao was also responsible for the company’s corporate citizenship initiatives.
Returning to Star’s DTH plans in India, Space TV is reportedly targeting a Diwali launch and has recruited former marketing executive V-P at Colgate Vikram Kaushik as its head. Shankar De, earlier with international investment banking firm Rothschild, has been appointed CFO.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
