MUMBAI: Star COO Laureen Ong will be stepping down from her post in mid August. Upon Ong’s departure, the operational units under Ong will report directly to Star CEO Paul Aiello.

Aiello said, "Laureen is an experienced and valued media executive. She has been a friend and a mentor to many in the company – we will miss her. Laureen has played a key leadership role in rejuvenating some of our brands and expanding the reach of our popular channels globally. We thank her for her contributions and wish her every success in the future."

Ong said, "I feel fortunate to have joined a company as vibrant and progressive as Star and to have worked with so many talented colleagues. It has been an honour for me and I would like to thank everyone for their support and wish them all the best."

Ong joined Star in May 2007.