Global media figures, including prominent executives from Paramount Africa, have paid glowing tributes to Raffaele Annecchino, the former President and CEO of Paramount International who has died at the age of 55.

Widely recognised as a transformative figure in global media, he was known for his strategic vision, entrepreneurial drive and ability to steer major organisations through periods of sweeping change.

For a career spanning more than 25 years at Paramount and ViacomCBS, starting in a commercial role in Madrid before rising to lead the company’s international operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

As CEO of Paramount International, Annecchino oversaw the company’s pivot from broadcast to digital, spearheading the international rollout of Paramount+, the global expansion of Pluto TV, and the creation of the SkyShowtime joint venture with Comcast.

He also built long-standing partnerships with major industry players, including Sky, Canal+, MultiChoice and Viaplay, and helped grow networks such as MTV, Nickelodeon, BET and Channel 5 in the UK, while backing production hubs across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

His impact was felt in Africa, especially in Nigeria, where colleagues remember him as an executive and a leader who deliberately integrated the continent into the core of Paramount’s global business strategy, rather than peripheral to it.

“Raffaele was a deeply valued colleague and a dear friend,” said Alex Okosi, former EVP, BET International and Paramount Africa. “He built lasting trust, inspired those around him to think bigger, and always made time to uplift people. His impact on the global media industry is undeniable, and his warmth, generosity and spirit will be just as enduring. He will be deeply missed.”

Former Country Manager for Paramount Africa in Nigeria, Bada Akintunde-Johnson, credited Annecchino’s leadership during one of the industry’s toughest stretches. “He guided the EMEA business through an extraordinarily difficult period, particularly during COVID, with exemplary leadership, empathy and humanity,” he said.

“What I will especially remember was his genuine interest in Africa and the way he made those of us in the region’s executive leadership feel that our business, our people and our contributions truly mattered within the broader organization,” Akintunde-Johnson added.

For Solafunmi Oyeneye, former Senior Channels Manager at Paramount Africa in Nigeria, Annecchino is a leader whose presence resonated far beyond his immediate team. “Raffaele was one of those leaders whose presence was genuinely felt. He had a deep love for Africa and carried that with him,” Oyeneye said.

“Even those of us several layers removed from him remember him with enormous warmth and affection. He was deeply respected, genuinely loved, and will be very fondly remembered.”

Fathima Beckmann, former SVP of Global Inclusion at Paramount International, said his influence extended well beyond business strategy. “Raffaele had a profound impact on my career and on me personally. He saw potential in people and championed their growth,” she said.

“Raffaele was an extraordinary leader, visionary and ambitious, yet deeply human, generous with his encouragement and always willing to share his wisdom,” Beckmann added.
After leaving Paramount, the late Annecchino founded Blue Ocean Media Partners, a global consultancy focused on innovation, transformation and strategic growth. Across the industry, colleagues remember Annecchino not just for his strategic acumen but for his warmth and his ability to inspire trust wherever he worked.

His career spanned the shift from broadcast to streaming, the growth of international media partnerships, and years of investment in Africa’s entertainment landscape, a legacy that continues to shape the industry he helped transform.