Introduction
A division of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., Zee5 is among the biggest over-the-top (OTT) platforms providing content (movies, series, and shows) in more than 12 languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, etc. Operating in more than 190 countries, it has more than 104 million active users. Zee5 has carved a niche for itself in the South Asian OTT content segment with around 8 million monthly active users. To stay competitive in the fast-changing online streaming segment, Zee5 keeps innovating and focusing on sustainable growth.
Problem Statement
Zee5 was undergoing dynamic changes with internal reorganization and a suspended merger with Sony. As the company restructured, it became clear that new leadership in product and technology was essential to scale operations effectively.
Zee5’s mandate was to find a leader with deep expertise in building global products and experience in consumer-facing platforms. The ideal candidate would lead the company’s digital transformation while creating a culture of innovation in product development and engineering. Recognizing the importance of this role, Zee5 joined hands with Purple Quarter to identify the best fit for the crucial role.
Solution & Execution
At Purple Quarter, we took a strategic approach to understand Zee5’s specific requirements for the CTPO position. Our analysis highlighted the need for a candidate who could manage complex technological infrastructures, create innovation across product development, and align business strategies with long-term technological solutions.
Through our Behavioural Metric Model (BMM), we identified Shiva Chinnasamy as the ideal fit for this role. Classified as a ‘Reconstructor,’ Shiva demonstrated the ability to drive 100X growth, thanks to his extensive experience spanning over 20 years across multiple sectors, including adtech, fintech, e-commerce, and platform engineering. His work at global companies such as Google, Amazon, Tesco, and Verizon Labs showcased his prowess in building scalable consumer-focused solutions—exactly what Zee5 was looking for in a leader.
Additionally, we provided consultation services to both Zee5 and Shiva, ensuring seamless alignment between the role’s expectations and Shiva’s background. We also facilitated salary negotiations, ensuring that both parties reached a mutual agreement that aligned the candidate’s experience and the company’s budget. The entire search was closed within six weeks, including consultation, profile sharing, and the candidate’s onboarding.
Shiva’s consumer-centric background, combined with his vast technology and product leadership expertise, positioned him as the perfect fit to drive Zee5’s digital transformation agenda.
Looking forward
As Zee5’s new CTPO, Shiva Chinnasamy will lead their next phase of growth, with a focus on tech-first innovation and expand the platform’s user base. His expertise in consumer-driven products and his background in scaling large platforms position him as a vital asset for Zee5’s strategic goals. Under Shiva’s leadership, Zee5 is expected to leverage its digital infrastructure across its global markets.
For more information, please reach out to the Marketing Team.