iWorld
Eros International Media appoints Shikha Kapur as COO, Studios
MUMBAI: Eros International, a leading company in the global Indian film entertainment industry, today announced the appointment of Shikha Kapur as chief operating officer, Studios of its majority-owned subsidiary, Eros International Media.
As COO, Kapur will be responsible for leading the growth of the Studio Business at Eros. She will be responsible for feature films, Web-Originals, and other differentiated content in India along with managing marketing and revenues for the film slate. She will also lead talent and partner relationships.
"Shikha has a leadership track record of bringing marketing innovation and business understanding that we believe is critical to lead our studios business. Her vast experience and enviable track record will benefit in driving the company's goals. I look forward to working closely with her in her new role as COO and wish her all the best," Eros International Media India CEO Pradeep Dwivedi said.
Eros Group chief content officer Ridhima Lulla further added, "Shikha has the perfect blend of diligence and passion, and I welcome her to the Eros International family as she joins us in the new growth phase."
In a career spanning two decades Shikha is considered as one of most innovative thinkers in the business, and has been the force behind Fox Star Studios most memorable campaigns like Neerja, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Mission Mangal, Sanju and Chhichhore.
In her last role as CMO and business head, Fox Star Studios had four films in the top ten films of 2019; Total Dhamaal, Mission Mangal, Chhichhore and Housefull 4, and two films amongst the top 10 Hindi film openings of all time – Sanju and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. Prior to Fox Star Studios, Shikha was at Disney UTV where she played a pivotal role in reinventing film marketing by pioneering campaigns anchored in big ideas and innovation, paving the transformation of marketing in films.
Shikha has also been featured in the book titled ‘Changemakers: Twenty Women Transforming Bollywood from Behind the Scenes’ by Gayatri Rangachari Shah and Mallika Kapur. The book outlines the journey of twenty incredible women who have revolutionized the way Hindi cinema is perceived and, in the process, created a new India.
Commenting on her new role, Shikha Kapur said, “I am excited for the new journey ahead of me. The entertainment business is going through a radical transformation and I am looking forward to collaborating with the exceptional leadership team at Eros and leading the vision for a new era in storytelling. Together we envision to deliver a global entertainment brand immersed in creativity, powerful storytelling and innovation.”
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Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
