Mahesh Samat, MD, Walt Disney India, quits

Armed with 20 years of experience across India, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Samat joined Disney India in 2007 as senior vice-president.

Even as the US-based Walt Disney readies to take full control of its Indian partner UTV Software Communications (UTV), the market grapevine says that Mahesh Samat, managing director, Walt Disney India has put in his papers at the company.

Despite several attempts, no Disney official confirmed the development.

For the record, in July 2011, The Walt Disney Company (Disney) has conveyed its intention to take full control of UTV.

It is pertinent to note here that it was also conveyed that following the buyout, Rohinton (Ronnie) Screwvala would cease to be an employee of UTV Software and instead be employed by The Walt Disney Company (TWDC India), a part of the Disney Group, as managing director. Meanwhile, Samat would be made chief executive officer of the Disney India operations, and report to Screwvala.

Armed with 20 years of experience across India, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Samat joined Disney India in 2007 as senior vice-president. He was named managing director after three years. He reported to Andy Bird, president, Disney, and managed all divisions of Disney India, except ESPN-STAR.

An alumnus of IIM Calcutta, he has also worked with Johnson & Johnson as managing director for southern Europe, and was based in London, Kellogg's in India, Warner Lambert/Parke-Davis, and Boots India.