Uday builds institutions, not companies: Kalli Purie

The day broke with the news of Uday Shankar stepping down from his role as the President of The Walt Disney Company (APAC) and Chairman of Star & Disney India. On the event of his departure from one of the biggest posts in the Indian media industry, e4m reached out to some of the top industry leaders for their thoughts on the development.

Kalli Purie, Vice Chairperson, India Today Group, recounts Shankar's ability to leave behind companies that are strong and able to take on the next challenge. "He builds institutions, not companies where he is indispensable; it takes a great leader to do that," she says.

Despite his departure, Purie believes that Shankar has laid a strong foundation for Star to prevail: "We should know, Star will thrive under the capable team he leaves behind."

According to the company's official statement, Shankar will be pursuing "a high impact entrepreneurial endeavour" after he steps down. Purie remarks, "I am so excited to see what he will do next!"

Previously, Shankar was president of 21st Century Fox for Asia and the chairman & CEO of Star India. He took over the leadership of Star India in 2007 and transformed Star business into one of the largest and most successful media companies in Asia. He has also played a significant role in revolutionizing the media landscape of the region with a great team, audacious strategy and meticulous execution. 

 Shankar led Star’s foray into regional and local language programming, changing Star into a force to be reckoned with. He is also credited with consolidated Star’s sports broadcasting operations through 21st Century Fox’s acquisition of its joint venture with ESPN.

Previously, Shankar served as CEO and editor of Star News, which was the first 24-hour news channel in India. He was also the editor and news director at TV Today Group, where he spearheaded the launch of Aaj Tak, a leading Hindi news channel, in 2000 and Headlines Today, a leading English news channel, in 2003.