Raffaele Annecchino, the former CEO of Paramount International, died suddenly over the weekend at the age of 55 while on vacation in the Balearic Islands. His press office confirmed the cause as meningitis.
Annecchino’s death came as a shock. Known for his sharp negotiation skills and strategic vision, he had helped steer Paramount’s global operations through a period of rapid change. His career at ViacomCBS and Paramount spanned more than 25 years, beginning in the late 1990s. He started in a commercial role in Madrid and quickly rose through the ranks to oversee the company’s interests across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
In recent years, Annecchino was instrumental in guiding the company’s shift from traditional broadcasting to digital platforms. He led the international rollout of Paramount+. and supported the expansion of Pluto TV across multiple regions. His efforts helped lay the groundwork for Paramount’s streaming ambitions beyond the United States.
He also played a central role in the creation of SkyShowtime in 2022. The joint venture between Paramount and Comcast, announced in September 2022, was designed to expand streaming options in Europe. Annecchino’s close work with major global media players included negotiations with Sky, Canal+, MultiChoice, Viaplay, J:COM, Claro, and Mediapro.
Annecchino oversaw the growth of several networks outside North America. MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, and Channel 5 in the UK expanded under his watch. He also helped develop networks in Australia, Argentina, and Chile. Telefe in Argentina and Chilevisión in Chile grew significantly during his tenure. He backed the development of production hubs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, bringing local content to broader audiences.
He assumed the role of president and CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International in December 2020. His leadership was praised across the industry. Bob Bakish, the current CEO of Paramount Global, 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.”
After leaving Paramount, Annecchino founded Blue Ocean Media Partners in 2023. He served as managing partner and CEO of the consultancy firm, which focuses on innovation, transformation, and growth. His work took him beyond media, with board memberships including Viacom 18 India, SBS Media in South Korea, and SkyShowtime.
Alex Okosi, former managing director of Paramount Africa and now managing director of Google Africa, said in a statement, “Raffaele was a deeply valued colleague and a dear friend. 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.”
Born in 1971 in Ivrea, Italy, Annecchino graduated from IE Business School in Madrid with an MBA. He also completed a media executive program at Harvard Business School and INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. His education supported his rise through international media markets and helped shape his approach to global content distribution.
His death leaves a void in the international media landscape. In recent years, he had become a leading figure in digital expansion, helping major networks and streaming services grow their footprints worldwide. His influence extended across continents, from Africa’s emerging markets to Europe’s established broadcasters.
Annecchino’s passing is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life at any age. His friends and colleagues remember him as a force who could strike deals and forge partnerships with ease, yet also as someone who always made time for the people around him. His departure leaves a gap that industry insiders say will be difficult to fill.
According to Hollywood Reporter.