MUMBAI: Following the exit of its corporate CEO Peter Mukerjea as of 1 February, and the pending departure of its operational CEO Sameer Nair next month, Star has made the first executive announcement regarding the leadership team that will lead it in the next phase of the network's evolution.

Star India announced today the appointment of Vijay Singh, former CEO of Sony Music and currently Tata group company Tetley Tea's managing director - developing markets, as president, strategy and corporate development. Singh will report to Star Group CEO Paul Aiello, who is currently holding additional charge as Star India chief executive.

In what the broadcast major terms a newly created role, Singh will be responsible for developing business directions for Star India while taking an active role in the company's venture businesses in India. He will oversee corporate functions including strategic planning, business development, human resources, legal, government affairs, MIS, administration and corporate communications. A point of note here is that there has been a position of president corporate affairs lying vacant since Nitin Atroley resigned a year ago.

Singh will join Star in April, soon after the departure of Nair, whose last working day as head of India's lead broadcaster is 26 March.

With the public announcement of Singh’s appointment, Star now officially has two presidents. Paritosh Joshi is president, advertising sales and distribution.

Commenting on Singh's appointment, Aiello said, "Vijay is a veteran executive with a huge breadth of experience and we feel very fortunate to have attracted him to join Star India. His business acumen and unique insights into India and other developing markets will be invaluable as Star India readies itself for its next phase of growth and expansion."