OML Entertainment, the content, advertising and entertainment firm, has elevated Tusharr Kumar as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Kumar brings over 15 years of experience across new-media, automotive and FMCG industries. He has been associated with OML Entertainment since 2012 in various capacities across different businesses.
Said Rajesh Kamat, Managing Director of Emerald Media and investor in OML Entertainment: “Tusharr’s elevation to CEO is a testament to his exceptional leadership and his unwavering commitment to excellence. Under his guidance, OML Entertainment has achieved remarkable milestones, and I have no doubt that he will continue to build on this momentum. Tusharr’s vision for OML Entertainment aligns perfectly with our goals as investors, and we are thrilled to support him as he leads the company to new heights.”
Global investment major KKR and The Chernin Group, LLC have announced a multi-faceted partnership that includes the creation of Emerald Media, a new enterprise to fund investments in the media and entertainment industries across Asia. KKR has committed up to $300 million to the Emerald Media platform from its KKR Asian Fund II and The Chernin Group will join as a minority co-investor. KKR has also acquired a significant, minority stake in CA Media, the existing Asian media portfolio of The Chernin Group.
Leading industry veterans Rajesh Kamat and Paul Aiello will jointly head Emerald Media and will be joined by an experienced team of operating executives. Emerald Media will have offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Kamat and Aiello will continue to manage the CA Media platform, which includes assets in India (Endemol Shine India, Graphic India, Fluence, and Only Much Louder or what’s better known as OML) and in Indonesia.
Said Joseph Y Bae, Member of KKR & Managing Partner of KKR Asia: “The growing middle class in the region is using its discretionary income on Internet connectivity, but the industry itself is fragmented. Investing behind proven leaders in industries with high growth potential and partnering with them to grow their business is a cornerstone of KKR’s Asia strategy. We look forward to working with experienced media leaders Rajesh and Paul in this dynamic sector.â€
Sanjay Nayar, Member of KKR & CEO of KKR India, added: “The media, entertainment and digital media segment across Asia especially in India enjoys attractive macro fundamentals, mirroring the trajectory of the region’s consumer sector. This is a fragmented industry, and we are excited to work with industry veterans to identify the next generation of media and entertainment companies we can partner with and support.â€
Peter Chernin, Chairman and CEO of The Chernin Group noted: “This partnership provides TCG and its fellow investors in CA Media with a unique opportunity to continue to work with a best in class management team and leading global investors at KKR in Asia.â€
Added Kamat: “The media and entertainment sector is on the cusp of a strong growth phase—driven by media convergence, an attractive investment environment, and rising discretionary spends. With the building blocks for growth in place, there is a significant opportunity to create a diversified portfolio of assets in this space, building on our accomplishments and ongoing work with CA Media and The Chernin Group,â€
Said Paul Aiello: “With the Asia media industry experiencing rapid and transformational changes driven by digitisation and growing internet and mobile penetration, Emerald Media will invest across mediums, demographics, and revenue models to continue driving such transformation.â€
