Former Google Exec Likely To Join JioCinema As CEO

SUMMARY

This strategic move is part of JioCinema's ambitious plan to expand its mobile customer base and forge strong partnerships with Hollywood studios

Previously, Mani held a key leadership role at Google, where he managed the Android business for the Asia Pacific region

Interestingly, in his previous roles, he has also served as an investor and advisor to James Murdoch and Uday Shankar's investment firm, Bodhi Tree

Reliance-backed streaming platform JioCinema is all set to name Kiran Mani, formerly a General Manager at Google, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Previously, Mani held a key leadership role at Google, where he managed the Android business for the Asia Pacific region. In his new capacity as CEO of JioCinema, Mani will take charge of driving the streaming service’s technological advancements. Additionally, he will play a pivotal role in facilitating partnerships and agreements with major Hollywood studios, according to a Bloomberg report.

Mani has already assumed his role at the company, the report added.

Interestingly, in his previous roles, he has also served as an investor and advisor to James Murdoch and Uday Shankar’s investment firm, Bodhi Tree, as per his LinkedIn profile.

When Inc42 reached out to JioCinema, they declined to comment.

Viacom18, the parent company of JioCinema, is a joint venture among three prominent entities: Bodhi Tree, Paramount Global, and Reliance Industries Ltd.

This development comes at a time when Walt Disney Co, the parent company of Disney+ Hotstar, has been in discussions with Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) regarding a possible sale of its streaming and television operations in India.

Lately, JioCinema has made significant strides in the OTT industry by offering broadcasts of various tournaments, including the highly popular Indian Premier League (IPL), at no cost.

In addition to this, the platform has inked strategic content partnerships with renowned American studios such as HBO and NBCUniversal. These collaborations have solidified JioCinema’s reputation as the go-to destination for premium English content in the Indian market.

Furthermore, JioCinema’s ambitious plan to roll out over 100 Indian films and TV shows, with a staggering budget of INR 2,000 Cr, has further intensified the competition in the market.