Raffaele Annecchino, a transformative figure in the global media industry and former President and CEO of Paramount International, suddenly passed away at 55 years old. He was widely respected for his strategic vision, entrepreneurial mindset and ability to guide major media organisations through periods of profound change.
Over more than twenty-five years at Paramount/ViacomCBS, Annecchino rose from an early commercial role in Madrid to lead the company’s international operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia. As CEO of Paramount International, he steered the business’s shift from broadcasting to digital, driving the international rollout of Paramount+, the global expansion of Pluto TV, and the creation of the SkyShowtime joint venture with Comcast.
‘Raffaele was a deeply valued colleague and a dear friend,’ said Alex Okosi, former EVP, BET International and Paramount Africa. ‘He built lasting trust, inspired those around him to think bigger, and always made time to uplift people. His impact on the global media industry is undeniable, and his warmth, generosity and spirit will be just as enduring. He will be deeply missed.’
He built long-term partnerships with major players, including Sky, Canal+, MultiChoice and Viaplay, and oversaw the growth of networks such as MTV, Nickelodeon, BET and Channel 5 in the UK, while supporting production hubs across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. His impact was felt especially in Africa, where colleagues in Nigeria remember a leader who made the region feel central to the business.
‘He guided the EMEA business through an extraordinarily difficult period, particularly during COVID, with exemplary leadership, empathy and humanity,’ said Bada Akintunde-Johnson, former Country Manager, Paramount Africa, Nigeria. ‘What I will especially remember was his genuine interest in Africa and the way he made those of us in the region’s executive leadership feel that our business, our people and our contributions truly mattered within the broader organisation.’
‘Raffaele was one of those leaders whose presence was genuinely felt. He had a deep love for Africa and carried that with him,’ said Solafunmi Oyeneye, former Senior Channels Manager, Paramount Africa, Nigeria. ‘Even those of us several layers removed from him remember him with enormous warmth and affection. He was deeply respected, genuinely loved, and will be very fondly remembered.’
After leaving Paramount, Annecchino founded Blue Ocean Media Partners, a global consultancy focused on innovation, transformation and strategic growth.
‘Raffaele had a profound impact on my career and on me personally. He saw potential in people and championed their growth,’ said Fathima Beckmann, former SVP, Global Inclusion, Paramount International. ‘Raffaele was an extraordinary leader, visionary and ambitious, yet deeply human, generous with his encouragement and always willing to share his wisdom.’
Colleagues remember Annecchino not only for his strategic acumen but for his warmth, humanity and ability to inspire trust wherever he went.
His legacy reflects the themes that defined his life’s work – embracing new technologies, building international bridges and reimagining the future of media – and he leaves behind a global impact that will continue to shape the industry he helped transform.