Ronnie Screwvala to Exit Disney India in 2014

MUMBAI: Ronnie Screwvala will step down as the managing director of The Walt Disney Company's operations in India next summer, to be succeeded by Siddharth Roy Kapur.

Disney acquired a controlling stake in Screwvala's studio UTV in 2012, at which point he took over running all of the company's operations in India. Roy Kapur, currently the managing director of UTV's studio businesses, takes the top spot at Disney India on January 1, with Screwvala assisting in the transition till June 30.

“It’s been a fantastic seven-year working relationship with Disney,” he said. “First as a co-shareholder, then when Disney held a majority stake in UTV, and since February 2012 as managing director of Disney UTV India. It has been a great experience to be part of the world’s number one entertainment company and to have worked with such a talented team to solidify our footprint in India as a diversified and successful business across television, broadcasting, movies, consumer products, games and digital.”

Andy Bird, chairman of Walt Disney International, added: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ronnie for the past seven years and appreciate his entrepreneurial drive and vision for Disney in India. He has successfully managed integration efforts and set the foundations of long-term growth for our business. In 2012 when we acquired UTV, Ronnie had a clear mandate to merge two organizations, build a single team and lay the strategic direction for a diversified media and entertainment company that would be part of the growing India growth story. When he passes on the baton in June 2014, almost two-and-half years since the acquisition, he will leave the company in a great place strategically and with a strong leadership team. I want to thank Ronnie for helping to shape Disney’s journey in India and for his contribution to our success. We are delighted that he will continue to be associated with Disney in the future."

Of Screwvala's successor, Bird noted: “Sid’s innate understanding of the Indian viewer, his ability to leverage those insights in business, coupled with his experience and expertise in fast-moving consumer goods businesses, television and in building India’s leading movie studio made him the natural choice for the role. I look forward to working with Sid to take Disney UTV to its next level of growth in the years to come."

Disney's Indian operations include nine channels, including the Disney, Hungama and Bindass brands; TV production facilities; a movie studio that makes films in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam; distribution of Disney, Pixar and Marvel movies; mobile and social games; plus Disney and Marvel consumer products, publishing, live and home entertainment.