Raffaele Annecchino, the former president and CEO of Paramount International who played a key role in the media giant’s move to streaming platforms, has died at age 55, it was reported Thursday.
Annecchino died over the weekend while on vacation in the Balearic Islands from meningitis, according to multiple trade publications.
“Such sad news. Raffa was a force of nature. Taken way too young,” former Paramount President and CEO Bob Bakish said on social media. “He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.”
The Italian-born Annecchino was instrumental in the international rollout of Paramount+, the global expansion of Pluto TV, and the creation of SkyShowtime, a joint venture between Paramount and Comcast.
Prior to being named president and CEO of Paramount International, he was president of ViacomCBS Networks Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia.
His tenure saw the growth of networks such as MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, Channel 5 in the U.K., Network 10 in Australia, Telefe in Argentina and Chilevisión in Chile.
Prior to joining Paramount, Annecchino worked at Turner International, Cartoon Network and CNN.
He left Paramount in 2022, and founded the global consultancy firm Blue Ocean Media Partners.