Raffaele Annecchino, the former president and CEO of Paramount International, has passed away at age 55 from acute meningitis. Over a career spanning more than two decades at Paramount and ViacomCBS, Annecchino ascended from an initial sales position in Madrid to lead the company’s international operations across multiple continents, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
During his tenure as CEO, Annecchino spearheaded Paramount’s strategic shift from traditional broadcasting toward digital streaming platforms. He was instrumental in expanding Paramount+ internationally, overseeing the growth of Pluto TV globally, and helping establish SkyShowtime through a partnership with Comcast. His leadership also encompassed major networks including MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, and regional broadcasters across the United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina, and Chile, while supporting production development across multiple continents.
Colleagues and industry figures praised Annecchino for his negotiation abilities and skill in developing enduring business partnerships with major media companies worldwide. Following his departure from Paramount in 2022, he founded Blue Ocean Media Partners, a consulting firm specializing in innovation and strategic growth. Former Paramount CEO Bob Bakish described him as “a force of nature,” while industry peers highlighted his combination of commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and personal warmth that earned widespread respect throughout the global media landscape.
Originally reported by Variety →
About the Author
