Former Paramount International CEO Raffaele Annecchino Dies at 55
Raffaele Annecchino, the veteran media executive and former president and CEO of Paramount International, has died at the age of 55. His press office confirmed that he passed away unexpectedly over the weekend while on vacation in the Balearic Islands, with the cause of death identified as meningitis. Known for his significant contributions to the global media landscape, Annecchino’s career spanned more than 25 years at Paramount and its predecessor companies, Viacom and CBS, where he became a pivotal figure in shaping the international operations of several major entertainment brands.
Beginning his career in the late 1990s with a commercial role in Madrid, Annecchino steadily ascended the corporate ranks to eventually oversee Paramount’s operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. During his tenure as head of Paramount International—a role he assumed in December 2020—he was instrumental in steering the company through a complex digital transformation. His strategic leadership was particularly noted for the global rollout of the Paramount+ streaming service and the international expansion of Pluto TV. Furthermore, he played a vital role in the formation of SkyShowtime, a major joint venture between Paramount and Comcast established in 2022. Colleagues and industry peers have characterized him as a skilled negotiator who successfully maintained partnerships with international media giants, including Sky, Canal+, and Mediapro, while simultaneously overseeing the growth of iconic networks such as MTV, Nickelodeon, and BET.
Following his departure from Paramount, Annecchino founded Blue Ocean Media Partners in 2023, serving as its managing partner and CEO to provide consulting services focused on media innovation and business growth. His professional background was supported by an academic foundation that included an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, as well as executive programs at Harvard Business School and INSEAD. Throughout his career, he held various board positions, including roles at Viacom 18 India and SBS Media. Industry tributes have been widespread, highlighting his unique combination of commercial acumen and personal leadership. Alex Okosi, the managing director of Google Africa, remarked on Annecchino’s legacy, noting his ability to inspire colleagues while leaving an indelible mark on the global media sector. Former Paramount CEO Bob Bakish also expressed condolences, describing him as a “force of nature” whose presence will be missed by those who worked closely with him.
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