Sumantra Dutta quits Star

After spending 20 years with Star Network, Sumantra Dutta (Sumo), country head – Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, has quit the company.

Dutta said, “I have spent most of my professional life so far at Star, and it has been a truly enriching and fulfilling experience. I am grateful to Uday and the great team at Star for the belief, passion and support, and I wish them all the very best. I shall always remain a brand ambassador of this great network.”

Dutta moved to Dubai in October 2008 to his current role of heading Star Network in MEA and Pakistan. He was based in India prior to the move, in several capacities across the network, across television, outdoor and radio. He joined Star India as ad sales manager in 1994, and was appointed EVP in 2000.

On his exit, Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India, said, “His leadership has helped Star establish itself as a leading network in the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa. Sumantra has always demonstrated sound judgement and a willingness to take on risk in everything he did, and has contributed significantly to Star’s success.”

Prior to joining Star India, Dutta had worked with Nestle, BCCL and Mudra (DDB) in India.