Hires & Promotions: Disney Star, FCB Kinnect

Disney Star elevates Sumanta Bose

Disney Star has elevated Sumanta Bose, according to sources close to the development. He will now also be responsible for Star Bharat, Hindi & English Movies Cluster, Kids & Infotainment Channels, Regional East, Live Entertainment and Network Business Analytics & Insights. Bose is currently the Business Head for Star Plus, Star Utsav, Regional East and head of the Content Studio for Disney+ Hotstar (Hindi).

Bose will also be responsible for driving the overall content studio for Disney+Hotstar, which includes Hotstar Specials (Hindi), AVOD (Hindi) content and acquisitions of digital movie rights for the platform.

According to an internal email, the respective Business Heads - Harsh Sheth (HM&EC), Devika Prabhu (Kids & Infotainment), Koustuvi Ghosh (Star Jalsha), Vikrant Pawar (Live Ent.) and Rahul Patil (Network Business Analytics) will report to Bose. For Star Bharat, Ira Choudhary (Programming), Rahul Gandhi (Marketing) & Shivendra Verma (Programming Strategy & Insights) in their respective roles will also report to him.

Bose has been with Disney Star for over a decade now, leading first Star Jalsha and recently Star Plus to well-established leadership positions. 

In a career spanning close to three decades, Bose has worked across agencies and brands, including RK Swamy, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, Tata Teleservices and PE Electronics.

Last month, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) announced the appointment of Disney Star’s Gaurav Banerjee as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive. Banerjee previously served as head of content for Hindi entertainment and Disney+ Hotstar, and Business Head for Star Bharat, Hindi and English movies, kids and infotainment, and regional (east). 

FCB Kinnect elevates Elstan Rebello to EVP – South (branch head)

FCB Kinnect has elevated Elstan Rebello to Executive Vice President - South (branch head). Rebello will now lead the South market, overseeing the creative, strategy, media, and account management departments, as well as managing P&L for this high-growth region.

Over his four-year journey, Rebello has been instrumental in securing major clients such as TVS Motor Group, Titan, Intel, ITC Foods, Murugappa Group, among others. His exceptional client relationship skills have expanded the agency's services by deepening and growing relationships with existing clients and adding new marquee clients to its portfolio.

Since joining FCB Kinnect in June 2020 as AVP – Account Management, Elstan has significantly contributed to building the culture of the Bengaluru-based office and growing the team to almost 100 kinnectors.

With 16 years of industry experience, including roles at Network 18 and Condé Nast, Rebello's strategic vision continues to drive FCB Kinnect’s success in the South market.

Speaking on the elevation, Chandni Mehta, COO, FCB Kinnect, says, “As a truly integrated full-funnel agency, it is imperative for us to have an ambitious team leader to drive our momentum forward. Elstan’s ability to lead brands, deeply understand client requirements, and keep creativity at the core, aligns perfectly with our commitment to #OwnTheBrand. With his well-deserved elevation, we are excited to spearhead our market expansion and strengthen our relationships with existing clients in the South.”

Rebello comments, “At Kinnect, the past 4 years have been defined by the relentless pursuit of excellence in communication integration. Leading initiatives across auto, luxury, FMCG, and technology sectors has been both challenging and immensely rewarding. As I step into this new role, my commitment remains steadfast: to propel us towards greater heights and amplify our impact through innovative and creative solutions.”