Nita and Akash Ambani join Viacom18 board ahead of merger with Disney's Star India: A look at their collaborative ventures

Nita Ambani and her son, Akash Ambani, have joined the board of Viacom18, a prominent media company co-owned by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Bodhi Tree Systems. This strategic move comes at a pivotal moment, just ahead of Viacom18's upcoming merger with Disney.

Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani on the Viacom18 Board

The appointments of Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, come at a crucial juncture in the merging process of these major media entities.

According to sources, other notable individuals joining the Viacom18 board include James Murdoch, co-promoter of Bodhi Tree Systems; Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hardan, Head of Technology, Media, and Telecom at the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), a key investor in Bodhi Tree; Jyoti Deshpande, President of Media & Content Business at Reliance Industries Limited (RIL); and Shuva Mandal, Partner at Anagram Partners.

Following the merger, the board will be further expanded to include representatives from both Star and Viacom18.

Businesses where Nita and Akash Ambani collaborate

These are the businesses in which the mother-son duo collaborate:

Reliance Jio:

Credit: Reuters | Akash Ambani with his parents Nita and Mukesh Ambani

Akash Ambani serves as a Director at Reliance Jio, the telecommunications company, while Nita Ambani is instrumental in driving its social initiatives, particularly in digital inclusion and education.

Reliance Retail:
Nita Ambani plays a key role in expanding Reliance Retail, one of India¡¯s largest retail chains, while Akash Ambani contributes to its strategic planning and operations, ensuring a diverse range of products for consumers.

Mumbai Indians:

Credit: Rediff

As co-owners of the Mumbai Indians, a franchise cricket team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Nita and Akash Ambani have led the team to impressive victories in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.

Mumbai City FC:
The duo is also invested in Mumbai City FC, a competitor in the Indian Super League (ISL). Nita Ambani chairs Football Sports Development Limited, the organization behind the ISL, while Akash Ambani influences the team¡¯s strategic growth and the overall development of football in India.

Reliance Foundation:
Leading the philanthropic efforts of Reliance Industries, the Reliance Foundation focuses on critical social initiatives in education, health, and rural development. Nita Ambani heads the foundation, with Akash Ambani actively supporting its mission, reinforcing the family¡¯s commitment to making a positive impact in society.

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