LONDON, Sept. 4 — Raffaele Annecchino, the former President and CEO of Paramount International who spent more than a quarter-century steering the company’s global expansion, died on September 3 of acute meningitis. He was 55. Annecchino’s career at Paramount and its predecessor ViacomCBS spanned over 25 years, beginning with an early sales role in Madrid.
He rose to oversee the company’s international footprint across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia, becoming a central figure in the industry’s shift from traditional broadcasting to digital platforms.
A legacy of streaming and global networks
As CEO of Paramount International, Annecchino drove the international rollout of the Paramount+ streaming service and supported the global expansion of Pluto TV. He was also involved in the creation and launch of SkyShowtime, a streaming platform born from an alliance between Paramount and Comcast. His portfolio included the growth of major networks such as MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, Channel 5 in the U.K., Network 10 in Australia, Telefe in Argentina and Chilevisión in Chile.
He also supported the development of production hubs across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, and was known for his negotiation skills and long-term partnerships with companies including Sky, Canal+, MultiChoice, Viaplay, Corus, J:COM, Claro and Mediapro.
‘A force of nature’
Annecchino exited Paramount in 2022 and founded Blue Ocean Media Partners, a global consultancy focused on innovation, transformation and strategic growth. Tributes poured in from former colleagues. Bob Bakish, former Paramount president and CEO, said on social media: “Such sad news.
Raffa was a force of nature. Taken way too young.
He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.” Alex Okosi, former managing director of Paramount Africa and now managing director of Google Africa, offered a longer remembrance. “Raffaele was a deeply valued colleague and a dear friend,” Okosi said.
“Having worked alongside him through years of international growth and transformation, I saw firsthand his rare ability to combine sharp commercial instinct and strategic vision with genuine warmth, humanity and optimism. He built lasting trust, inspired those around him to think bigger and always made time for people.
His impact on the global media industry is undeniable, but for those fortunate enough to have known and worked with him, his warmth, generosity and spirit will be just as enduring. He will be deeply missed.” Annecchino was widely respected for his strategic vision and played a central role in Paramount’s transition from traditional broadcasting to digital platforms. He championed innovation, digitization and strategic partnerships for long-term growth — a reputation that carried into his consultancy work after leaving the company.
