Chris McDonald steps down, Peter Hutton to take charge of Ten Sports

McDonald will continue working with the company in an advisory role

Chris McDonald has decided to shift his focus from work to family, and has stepped down from the post of CEO at Taj TV’s Ten Sports. However, he will continue his association with the company, and will be in an advisory role from end-April.

Talking to afaqs! about the development, he says, “I'm not leaving the company, but stepping down from the post of CEO. I'll continue to work on the projects that need my attention.”

Peter Hutton, currently senior vice-president, programming and production, Taj TV, will be designated as chief operating officer from May 1. Hutton joined the company in early 2002. He will work closely with Himanshu Mody of Zee and and Dr Bhaskar Banerjee of Bukhatir Investments. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited had acquired 50 per cent stake in Ten Sports in 2006.

McDonald, who founded the company in 2000, has been the CEO since its inception. Calling his association with Ten Sports a dream come true, McDonald says, “I was blessed to have a fantastic team to work with, strong and supportive shareholders, and a fair dollop of luck. It will be hard not to be part of the everyday buzz that surrounds the channel, but I am excited to continue in an advisory role.”

Talking about his successor, Hutton, he adds, “Taj TV is very fortunate to have someone of the calibre of Peter to pick up the ball.” Prior to Taj TV, Peter has been associated with IMG/TWI as co-head, South Asia.

About his new role Peter says that the company's international business is healthy, with eight channels currently being produced and broadcast by from the Dubai facility. “I’d like to grow that side of the business further as well as maintain our ratings lead in India. We’ve had more sports viewership than any other channel in India in the last seven years since we’ve launched. Now we need to build on that solid platform, whilst also growing our business into more territories and expanding our new media footprint,” he adds.