The Hindu Business Line : Star India top honchos quit

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Mumbai Jan. 22 Putting an end to speculations, Star has announced that Mr Peter Mukerjea, Chief Executive Officer, Star Group, India, and Mr Sameer Nair, Chief Executive Officer, Star Entertainment, India, have tendered their resignations.

Mr Mukerjea will leave the company at the end of January while Mr Nair will leave at the end of March. Star also announced that Mr Paul Aiello, Star CEO-designate, would be the acting Chief Executive Officer of Star India.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Aiello said, "Peter and Sameer are two extraordinary executives in the industry. The transformation of Star India into the leading television network in the country came in no small part due to their leadership. It is with great regret that we accept their decisions to resign from the company. We thank them for their tremendous contributions and wish them all the best in the future."

While Mr Nair is reported to join NDTV Media's entertainment channel, Mr Mukerjea may be joining another yet-to be launched channel.

"Star India has built a highly talented local team that has been instrumental in the successes we have built. I look forward to working closely with the team in order to fortify our market position and build on all of our achievements thus far," Mr Aiello said.

Mr Paul Aiello, the President of Star Group, replaces Mr Guthrie on from March 1.

Star Group, controlled by New York-based News Corp, split its Indian operations into two in March.

Mr Mukerjea was in charge of legal, finance and investments of the group in the country, while Mr Nair was responsible for programming, marketing and new media including the Internet.