Rajat Jain to take over as Disney India chief

Rajat Jain, executive vice president and business head of SET Max, will join Walt Disney Company (India) as vice-president and managing director with effect from August 1. Jain will also hold a similar position in Walt Disney Television International (India).

Jain will be based in Mumbai and will report to Doug Miller, executive vice president and managing director, Walt Disney Television International (Asia Pacific).

"We believe Jain is the right person to oversee Disney's continued growth in India as we strive to become one of India's leading providers of high quality family entertainment," said Miller in a media release today.

He was instrumental in introducing in Extraaa Innings and Extraaa Shots in the fields of cricket and movie broadcasting. He joined SET Max Prior as executive vice president, corporate development and new media from ASC Enterprises, where he was senior vice president, business operations.

In his 17 years of work experience, Jain has worked at organisations like telecom company Telstra International, Benckiser India and Hindustan Lever.

Announcing the appointment, Andy Bird, president, Walt Disney International, said: "The Indian marketplace is developing quickly and represents strong growth opportunities for all of our businesses as Indian consumers have a strong affinity for the Disney brand."

Apart from overseeing Disney's television activities in India, Jain will also work with Disney business unit leaders in the region. He will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing growth opportunities for Disney in India.

Jain will be in charge of targeting new businesses, expanding and increasing penetration of existing businesses, and leading the development of business and operations in the Indian market.

Disney has been in talks with leading broadcasters Star and Sony for distributing its upcoming kids' channel in India. The kids channel will be sharing the same space as Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and UTV's Hungama TV.