Brands
Brunico to end Kidscreen, Realscreen, NATPE events in 2027; Jocelyn Christie exits
Industry shifts prompt shutdown of flagship events after 30 years
MUMBAI: In a move that signals shifting tides in the global content business, Brunico Communications has announced it will discontinue its US events portfolio from 2027, bringing the curtain down on marquee gatherings such as the Kidscreen Summit, Realscreen Summit and NATPE Global.
The decision marks the end of an era for Kidscreen Summit, a cornerstone of the children’s media industry for nearly 30 years. The annual event has long served as a hub for creators, broadcasters, streamers and buyers across live-action and animation, alongside hosting the widely regarded Kidscreen Awards.
Brunico cited ongoing market consolidation and structural changes in the content production landscape as the key drivers behind the move. The company will now pivot its focus towards its publications portfolio, including Kidscreen, Realscreen, Playback and Strategy, as well as the Canada-based Banff World Media Festival, which is set to return from June 14 to 17, 2026.
Adding to the shake-up, long-time Kidscreen publisher Jocelyn Christie has exited the company after a 28-year tenure. Widely credited with shaping the Kidscreen brand, Christie played a pivotal role in expanding the summit into the largest global gathering of children’s media executives and extending its reach into Asia through initiatives such as Kidscreen East and the Asian Animation Summit.
Brunico Communications president & CEO Russell Goldstein said the decision was “difficult but necessary” amid evolving market dynamics, noting that the company would double down on delivering insight, coverage and networking opportunities through its media platforms.
For her part, Christie reflected on her tenure with a sense of pride and anticipation for what lies ahead. Brunico Communications publisher Jocelyn Christie said, “I’m immensely proud of the work that has gone into building the Kidscreen brand over my last 28 years. I’m equally excited to explore new opportunities to carry my experiences forward into what comes next.”
While the lights may dim on its flagship events, Brunico appears keen to keep the conversation going through its editorial platforms. As the industry recalibrates, the company is betting that content, not conferences, will be its strongest connector in the years ahead.
Brands
Magellanic Cloud names Syed Ameeruddin CEO of e-surveillance arm
Keeping a sharper eye on the future, Magellanic Cloud is putting a seasoned watcher in charge.
MUMBAI – Magellanic Cloud Ltd. has elevated Syed Ameeruddin as Chief Executive Officer of its e-surveillance business, bringing its iVIS and Provigil operations under a unified leadership to accelerate growth in intelligent monitoring and infrastructure solutions.
Ameeruddin, a nearly two-decade veteran of the company, steps into the role after leading the e-surveillance vertical. His career trajectory—from Business Development Manager to the top of the vertical—reflects a steady climb built on operational depth, client engagement, and strategic execution across multiple subsidiaries.
Over the years, he has played a central role in expanding the company’s footprint, strengthening client relationships, and streamlining operations. He has also been instrumental in integrating acquisitions, helping align new businesses with Magellanic Cloud’s long-term strategy while stabilising performance across diverse domains.
More recently, Ameeruddin has contributed to securing key mandates spanning railways, the National Highways Authority of India, and the BFSI sector—wins that have bolstered the company’s order book and deepened its presence in critical infrastructure.
Commenting on the move, Joseph Sudheer Thumma said Ameeruddin’s leadership has been “pivotal in shaping the e-surveillance business,” citing his ability to drive growth, build teams, and deliver strategic wins as key to the company’s journey. His elevation, Thumma added, is expected to further accelerate expansion in AI-driven surveillance and infrastructure solutions.
The transition comes as demand surges for AI-enabled monitoring, centralised command systems, and large-scale deployments across mission-critical environments. Magellanic Cloud’s e-surveillance segment—anchored by iVIS and Provigil—has emerged as a significant growth engine, delivering projects across banking, transport, highways, and public infrastructure.
In his new role, Ameeruddin will focus on scaling platform capabilities, expanding deployments in complex environments, and developing integrated solutions that enhance real-time intelligence and operational resilience. He will continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the company alongside his new responsibilities.
With this leadership shift, Magellanic Cloud is doubling down on its ambition to stay ahead in India’s rapidly evolving surveillance ecosystem—where seeing, increasingly, is not just believing, but predicting.
