MUMBAI: Indian-origin Ravi Ahuja is set to succeed Tony Vinciquerra, who will step down as CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, the Hollywood studio of Japan’s Sony Corp.
Ahuja (53), who is currently chief operating officer of Sony Pictures, will take over as CEO on Jan 2, 2025. The elevation adds Ahuja to the growing list of Indian-American executives who have reached top positions at multinational companies.Vinciquerra will continue to advise the studio as non-executive chairman until Dec 2025. Ahuja will report to Sony Corp chairman Kenichiro Yoshida.
Ahuja has had a long-standing professional relationship with Vinciquerra, having been mentored by him since 2007 when he was hired at Fox Networks. He joined Sony Pictures in 2021. Ahuja also oversees the India business as the chairman of Global Television Studios. He played a key role in the merger (which was later called off) of Sony Pictures India with Zee Entertainment Enterprises, which aimed to enhance Sony’s presence in South Asia.
Despite this setback, Ahuja successfully completed acquisitions of Industrial Media, Bad Wolf, and Pixomondo for Sony Pictures. Ahuja, who holds an MBA from Pennsylvania University, has earlier worked at Walt Disney Television, where he was instrumental in merging Disney/ABC Television and Fox Networks following Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2019.
“It is my privilege to take the helm at Sony Pictures. This is a special place – an iconic studio with an extraordinary 100-year history of storytelling… I am grateful for Tony’s mentorship, guidance and friendship through the decades,” Ahuja said.
Sony Corp chairman Kenichiro Yoshida said, “Since joining Sony Pictures, Ravi has been at the centre of Tony’s leadership team, navigating the unprecedented challenges of today’s media and entertainment environment and positioning the studio for further growth. Ravi brings with him years of experience.”
