President of Walt Disney Company APAC and chairman, Star & Disney India, Uday Shankar decides to step down to chase his entrepreneurial dream. His resignation would be effective as of December 31, 2020, it was announced by Rebecca Campbell, chairman of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment.

However, he would be associated with Disney’s direct-to-consumer and international segment until the end of 2020 to find a suitable successor and ensure a smooth transition. Prior to this, Uday was president of 21st Century Fox for Asia and the chairman & CEO of Star India.

On his decision to step down, Uday Shankar comments, “I have always believed in the power of creativity and cutting-edge technology to create a better world and consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so at Star, 21CF and now at The Walt Disney Company. As I look back on this journey, I take pride in having set ambitious goals in my professional career and achieving all that we set out to do. For some time now, I have been contemplating the question of how I give back to the country, community, and the industry that has given me so much. I think the best way to express my gratitude to all of them will be to support and mentor a new generation of entrepreneurs as they set out to create transformational solutions that will have a positive impact on countless lives. I intend to partner with global investors and pioneers to achieve this.”

Previously, Uday has served as the CEO and editor of Star News, which was the country’s maiden 24- hour news channel. He also served as the editor and news director at TV Today Group, where monitored the launch of Aaj Tak in 2000 and Headlines Today in 2003. In the past decade, Uday has played a vital role in molding the media and entertainment sector in India by bringing revolutionizing the industry and its consumers. Uday has also served as the president of the Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF). Currently, he holds the position of senior vice president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and is expected to be the next president.

Rebecca states, “I want to thank Uday for his leadership and dedication to our APAC business. With the successful launch of Disney+ throughout the region, he has helped put The Walt Disney Company in a commanding position in this dynamic and incredibly strategic part of the world. His vast experience and expertise have been invaluable in bringing together a strong, cohesive APAC leadership team to chart a path forward for our streaming businesses in the region and beyond.” She adds, “Uday has been a great friend, colleague, and valued counselor to me personally, and I know I speak for all of DTCI when I say he will be greatly missed. At the same time, I understand and respect his desire to make this change. I am extremely grateful that he has agreed to stay on to help ensure a seamless transition.”