10 Facts about Rahul Johri: The first ever CEO of BCCI

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), acting on the changes suggested by the Lodha Panel, appointed Rahul Johri as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Johri, a media veteran, will look after the smooth functioning of operations, stakeholder management, and building productive strategies for the benefit of the game. Rahul Johri has a great reputation in the corporate world and respected for having immense experience and knowledge on handling media businesses. But, cricket fans were surprised after his name suddenly created headlines. Most of them had never heard about him before (assumably).

So, here in this article, we try to list out some interesting facts about ‘the man who became the first CEO of world’s richest cricket board.’

1. Held one of the top posts in Discovery Networks:

Before becoming CEO of BCCI, Johri worked with Discovery Networks Asia Pacific as Executive Vice-President and General Manager.

2. Develops a vast media network:

Discovery Networks grew to into a cluster of 11 channels under his helm.

3. Discovery Channel flourishes:

The Network’s flagship Discovery Channel became India’s biggest non-fiction entertainment channel beating several Hindi and English movie and news channels.

4. Tenure:

Johri served eight years tenure as the head of India and South Asia operations before resigning on February 24, 2016.

5. Will continue as the senior advisor with Discovery:

He will continue to work with Discovery as a senior advisor to Arthur Bastings, President, and Managing Director until the end of 2016.

6. First in the history:

Rahul Johri, the first CEO in the history of BCCI, and will join the board from June 1, 2016.

7. The Lodha effect:

His appointment as the CEO comes as a result of Justice R.M. Lodha committee report. The committee suggested Indian cricket board to create posts like CEO and CFO.

8. Appointed to improve governance:

The BCCI has stated that the creation of the CEO post was a part of an initiative called ‘Project Transformation’ aimed at improving governance and operational processes.

9. Will report to Honorary Secretary:

Johri will be based at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai and will report directly to the Honorary Secretary, Anurag Thakur.

10. Selected after 4-month hunt:

Korn Ferry, a Mumbai-based head-hunting firm, had been appointed by the BCCI to find the board a CEO, and Rahul Johri was chosen by the firm after a roughly four-month-long selection process.