Skandha Media Services, a Mumbai-headquartered tech company known for playout services that leverage cloud technology, automation, AI, and machine learning, has named a VP of Business and Growth for the Americas. It’s move designed to trigger the company’s expansion into the U.S. broadcast and streaming market.
Taking the role is Jim Oakes, an engineering, operational and commercial disciplines-focused executive who has held senior-level positions at Time Warner Cable, SeaChange and XOR Media.
At Skandha, Oakes will be responsible for supporting the company’s growth strategy by targeting organizations with live sports and events streaming needs. “The sports streaming market is experiencing explosive growth in the US, driven by a fundamental shift in consumer behavior,” says Neelesh Dalvi, co-founder and head of digital operations at Skandha Media Services. “Fans are demanding more control over their viewing experience, wanting both live and on-demand access to their favorite sports. We’re seeing major partnerships forming between sports leagues and streaming services to capitalize on this opportunity, and we’re poised to help with their operations and monetization.”
Oakes was associated with Greater Rochester Cablevision’s “WGRC-5,” a cable TV-only operation in Western New York, some 35 years ago. “Jim understands the intricacies and challenges that broadcasters and OTT platforms face today,” continues Dalvi. “He’s built a dependable reputation across the industry and his extensive network of contacts, along with his wide-ranging expertise, will enable us to reach a plethora of broadcasters, OTT platforms, content owners & aggregators and rights holders across the USA.”
