CBS chief research and analytics officer Radha Subramanyam died Monday after a battle with cancer. She was 55.

Subramanyam oversaw all research and analytics operations for CBS, having joined the Eye as executive vice president of chief research and analytics officer in November 2017. She was promoted to her current role in 2020.

“Radha was a true force of nature who passionately championed CBS,” said Paramount chair of TV media George Cheeks. “It would be hard to find someone who loved CBS more. Her passion for our work and her belief in the power of storytelling were contagious. She inspired us to think deeper and always strive for excellence.”

Prior to CBS, she was president of research, insights and data analytics at iHeartMedia. She also held senior executive research roles at Yahoo!, MTV Networks and Nielsen. She also taught media and entertainment at Vassar College and New York University.

Among honors the exec received over the years: National Women’s Conference’s “Top Women in Business,” the Tri-State Diversity Council’s “Top Women Leaders of New York” and Corinium’s “Top Innovators in Data and Analytics.” In 2023 she was a distinguished recipient of the International Women’s Day Award at the Consulate General of India.

Subramanyam received a PhD in Radio, Television and Film from Northwestern University. She’s survived by her husband, Joseph, and children Tara and River.

Here is an obituary that will be part of a memo set to be sent to CBS staffers today:

Radha’s loss will be deeply felt across CBS and the broader media community, where she touched countless lives with her brilliance and unwavering spirit.

When Radha reflected on her life and career, what resonated most was the fearless spirit that carried her across continents and through countless challenges. “I’m a little bit proud of my young self,” she shared in 2021. “What I had was a degree of fearlessness, just jumping into the unknown without overthinking it.”

That courage defined Radha’s journey, not just professionally, but personally. She was a trailblazer, a visionary and deeply passionate. Her life was a testament to resilience, curiosity and the power of listening – to data, to people and to her own inner compass.

Said George Cheeks, Paramount’s Chair of TV Media: “Radha was a true force of nature who passionately championed CBS. It would be hard to find someone who loved CBS more. Her passion for our work and her belief in the power of storytelling were contagious. She inspired us to think deeper and always strive for excellence.”

Radha joined CBS in 2017 and quickly rose to lead our research and analytics division. She walked the halls and worked every meeting with an indomitable spirit, touting the value of broadcast television and CBS’ many ratings successes at every opportunity. Her work helped CBS connect with viewers in more authentic and impactful ways, guided by her belief that research should reflect real people and real lives. Her brilliance lay in translating complex metrics into meaningful insights that shaped programming and strategy.

Born and raised in New Delhi, Radha once dreamed of becoming a journalist. After moving to the U.S. to attend Northwestern University, she earned a doctorate in Radio, Television and Film, and later taught at Vassar and NYU. A friend’s suggestion led her to research, a field that perfectly blended her analytical mind and creative spirit. She held leadership roles at iHeartMedia, Yahoo!, MTV Networks and Nielsen before joining CBS.

Radha was recognized as one of the National Women’s Conference’s Top Women in Business, the Tri-State Diversity Council’s Top Women Leaders of New York and Corinium’s Top Innovators in Data and Analytics. In 2023, she received the International Women’s Day Award at the Consulate General of India.

Her legacy reaches far beyond accolades. Radha was deeply committed to uplifting the next generation of media executives. Radha invested time in human connection: advising students and encouraging rising professionals to stretch beyond conventional roles. Through board service and mentorship, she opened doors and guided emerging leaders to find their voice. Her impact will be felt for years to come in the careers she helped shape and the culture she championed.

CBS extends our deepest condolences to Radha’s family and loved ones. Radha will be profoundly missed.