Rajat Jain quits Walt Disney, India

After a stint of almost three years, the time since Walt Disney launched its India operations, Rajat Jain, Managing Director, Walt Disney Company (India) Private Limited, has decided to move on.

Andy Bird, President, Walt Disney International, said, “Rajat came in at the very beginning and has laid a strong foundation for the growth of Walt Disney Company in India. We would like to thank him for his role in establishing the business to where it is today, and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Jain’s exit has come as quite a surprise to most in the industry. A replacement too has, as yet not been identified. Neither is it clear where is Jain headed.

Under his supervision, Walt Disney kicked off with two channels in India, launched its merchandising division, and entered into different partnerships like with Infomedia to launch Disney Adventures. In addition to the move towards a 360-degree approach to everything, Jain was also instrumental in the UTV deal, which led to the buyout of Hungama TV and Disney’s investment in HTV Communications.

Jain said, “Working at Disney has been an exciting phase in my career. We built the business ground up and today have a significant presence in television, merchandise and licensing, and all other businesses have been established. It has been very rewarding to play a role in launching the Walt Disney Company in India. I want to thank my management team for their dedication and support in building the business to where it is today.”

Post this development, Jain will be working with Andy Bird to oversee management of Walt Disney Company in India until a new appointment is made. He had quit MAX in June 2004, as the Business Head of the channel to join Walt Disney when the company was launching its India operations.