executive bios

Abhijay PrakashExecutive Vice President, Business Development & Strategic PlanningUniversal PicturesAbhijay Prakash is Executive Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Planning, Universal Pictures and leads the studio's efforts in this area. In his role Prakash's key priorities include driving major growth initiatives, film greenlighting, film co-financing and distribution deals as well as a wide range of initiatives related to emerging industry trends, strategic transactions, competitive threats and organizational restructuring. Prakash also works closely with the senior management of Focus Features and represents Universal as a member of the board of the startup Prima Cinema.

Prakash has played a key role in Universal's film co-financing and distribution dealmaking including its arrangements with Legendary, Silver Pictures, and Tornante. Along with President of International David Kosse, Prakash is also a leader of Universal's China strategy.

Prior to Universal, Prakash worked as a Consultant at the Boston Consulting Group in their Media and Entertainment practice area. Prakash has also held positions at MTV Networks, IGN Entertainment and Artisan Entertainment (now Lionsgate) and previously worked as a public policy researcher.

Prakash received his MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his BA in economics from Princeton University. He also holds an MA in film from Northwestern University.