The malaise of executive departures, which has hit other broadcasters such as Sony Entertainment, and Zee TV, seems to have made it to Star India's doors too. Executive vice-president Arun Mohan, who had been in charge of the network's distribution in India for eight-odd years, has put in his papers.

Star, it appeared had been immune to any management shake up, courtesy the successful run it had been having as the numero uno channel. But the market is abuzz with several rumours relating to Mohan's departure. Among them: personal reasons and poor performance, and some other unprintable allegations.

Industry sources however deny that poor performance is a charge that can stick as Mohan had apparently been close to achieving the targets he had set.

Star India senior management, which is on a long leave till past New Year, was not available for comment.

The news that Mohan has put in his papers comes at a critical time. Star is currently in the process of putting in place its hiked subscription package for cable operators effectively without a distribution head. According to industry sources, Akhtar Javed, who heads the distribution team in the north, is holding the baton for the present.