MAM
Kristen Finney becomes Disney International’s EVP content curation
Mumbai: Media conglomerate Walt Disney has announced the appointment of Kristen Finney as Disney International executive VP content curation. Prior to this, she was executive VP distribution, content distribution strategy and development at Disney Media and Entertainment which operates Disney+.
Finney will manage the international content strategy across India, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and will be responsible for overseeing the creation of original programming for Disney+ and Star+, along with linear channels. She will report directly to International Content and Operations chairman Rebecca Campbell.
The division is a centralised hub for international content acquisition information, cross-regional licensing opportunities, content slates and pipelines.
Speaking on the elevation, Finney said, “I am excited to join the new international content and operations organisation and to have the opportunity to work closely with Rebecca and this team of internationally respected content creators. The regional teams in IC&O are building a truly impressive slate of engaging and entertaining content, and I look forward to driving strategic opportunities as we aggressively expand these local offerings around the globe.”
Campbell said, “Kristen has a proven track record of delivering successful content strategies. This expertise, combined with her skillful ability to build and lead innovative teams, makes her the perfect candidate for this important new role. Her extensive and diverse experience will make her a vital part of our IC&O leadership team.”
Brands
Radico Khaitan appoints Kunal Madan as chief marketing officer
Promotions signal focus on premium spirits, global expansion and homegrown leadership
UTTAR PRADESH: Radico Khaitan has elevated two long-serving insiders to its top leadership team, signalling a bold push into premium spirits and global markets. Kunal Madan steps in as chief marketing officer, while Sudhir Upadhyay takes charge as chief sales officer, both part of what managing director Abhishek Khaitan calls a consciously built next-generation leadership bench.
“At Radico Khaitan, our growth has always been powered by people,” Khaitan said. “True leadership is not imported, it is cultivated.” He added that empowering internal talent ensures continuity while keeping the company globally competitive and future-ready.
Madan, with over 20 years of experience across global sales and marketing, will drive brand architecture, marketing strategy, and the premiumisation agenda, including travel retail. Upadhyay, who has 25 years in the industry and was most recently national sales head, will oversee distribution expansion and execution across markets.
The leadership reshuffle comes amid Radico’s intensified focus on premium spirits, a segment driving higher margins and international growth. Last year, Ajay Kakkar was brought on to head the Premium On-Trade vertical, targeting modern and institutional channels to boost presence in high-growth segments.
Meanwhile, Amar Sinha stepped down as chief operating officer after contributing across multiple growth phases. Khaitan acknowledged Sinha’s role in supporting the company’s trajectory, while Sinha described his tenure as “an absolute privilege,” crediting Khaitan’s leadership for shaping the company’s strategic direction.
With a homegrown leadership bench and a clear premium agenda, Radico Khaitan is set to accelerate its global expansion while doubling down on brand elevation and market impact.
