Former Paramount International chief Raffaele Annecchino launches media consultancy firm

Raffaele Annecchino

Former President and CEO of Paramount International, Raffaele Annecchino, has launched Blue Ocean Media Partners, a consultancy firm in the media and entertainment industry based in Dubai and Madrid.

Annecchino has signed a strategic partnership with Spain’s audiovisual company MediaPro Group for the Blue Ocean Media Partners launch. The agreement will boost and expand their entire business portfolio across the Middle East including broadcast services and new businesses such as eSports and gaming.

The consultancy will provide a global network in the media industry across Europe, Middle East, the US, UK, LATAM, Asia and Africa, with the former ex-Paramount boss to lead a team of consultants.

Annecchino was named president and CEO of Paramount International formerly known as ViacomCBS Networks International in 2020, replacing former boss David Lynn. In his role, he was responsible for a portfolio of pay-TV entertainment brands and broadcast networks, including Channel 5 in the UK, Telefe in Argentina, Network 10 in Australia and Colors in India through a joint venture with Viacom18, and worked closely with the company’s streaming operations, including the rollout of FAST platform Pluto TV and the launch of Paramount+ in 2021.

The chief exited Paramount following two years in the position, after he was put on “immediate leave” and he had “decided to leave the company”, but a reason for his abrupt departure was not given. He was replaced by Pamela Kaufman to the newly created role of president & CEO of international markets, taking part of Annecchino’s former remit.

“I am excited to bring all my global experience, expertise, and networking into Blue Ocean Media Partners with a C-suite executive leadership team to drive innovative and transformative strategies across the media industry for our clients. Our main objective is to support companies to achieve long-term growth and financial sustainability during these evolving times,” said Annecchino.

Tatxo Benet, CEO of Mediapro, added “Annecchino’s extensive experience and transversal nature is a unique opportunity to strengthen the group’s presence in the Middle East, building on the great work done by Mediapro Middle East so far and expanding from this base.”