Raffaele Annecchino, Former Paramount CEO, Dies at 55

Raffaele Annecchino, the former President and CEO of Paramount International, passed away at the age of 55. His career spanned over 25 years at Paramount/ViacomCBS, where he advanced from a commercial role in Madrid to leading international operations across various regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

As CEO, he was instrumental in transitioning the company from traditional broadcasting to digital platforms, overseeing the launch of Paramount+, the global expansion of Pluto TV, and the establishment of the SkyShowtime joint venture with Comcast. Colleagues, including Alex Okosi and Bada Akintunde-Johnson, praised his leadership, particularly during challenging times like the COVID pandemic, highlighting his genuine interest in Africa and the importance he placed on regional contributions.

After leaving Paramount, he founded Blue Ocean Media Partners, focusing on innovation and strategic growth. His legacy is marked by his warmth, generosity, and significant impact on the global media landscape.