Viacom18, a leading media organisation, has named Kiran Mani as the Chief Executive Officer for their digital operations, according to reports.

Mani currently holds the position of Google’s General Manager and Managing Director, overseeing operations related to Android and Google Play in the APAC region. An official notification from the media organisation regarding Mani’s appointment as CEO of digital operations is still pending.

Taking on his new role at Viacom18, Mani will drive the expansion of JioCinema, which recently merged with the Voot OTT platform. He will be responsible for the business growth of JioCinema, a free online video streaming platform.

Mani has worked with Google for over 13 years now. He joined the organisation in March 2010 as Head of Sales for India and transitioned to his current role, focusing on enhancing the utility and experience of Android and Google Play for consumers and developers across Asia.

In his previous roles, Mani served IBM for more than 8 years before stepping down as VP of Strategy, Marketing and Operations for ASEAN and South Asia. Thereafter, he joined Microsoft as Senior Director of Strategy, Marketing and Operations. Additionally, he has been a member of the advisory board and an Angel Investor for the Bodi Tree for nearly 10 years now.

JioCinema is increasing investments in original OTT content and expanding operations by free live-streaming popular shows like IPL and Bigg Boss, according to reports. 

In April 2023, the media organisation appointed Uday Shankar as Vice President, after the merger of Bodhi Tree Systems, Reliance Industries and Paramount Global. Additionally, Bodhi Tree Multimedia, a Television and OTT platform has acquired an additional 2.89% stake in Viacom18 (a Rs 953.23 crore deal), as reported in an exchange filing on August 22, 2023.