ITV

Category: People

  • NDTV’s K Yegneshwara Iyer joins Times Network as VP & head technology

    NDTV’s K Yegneshwara Iyer joins Times Network as VP & head technology

    MUMBAI: NDTV chief information officer K Yegneshwara Iyer has joined Times Network as vice president & head of technology. 

     

    A source close to the development informs Indiantelevision.com, “He will work closely with the business and leadership teams to ensure that the Network is at the cutting edge of technology.”

     

    According to the source, while Iyer will report to Times Network MD and CEO M K Anand, the company’s Technical and Broadcasting teams will directly report in to Iyer.

     

    Iyer has 27 years of experience and spent the last 18 years at NDTV. Prior to that, he had over nine years of experience in setting up networks and developing business software.

     

    In his long stint at NDTV, he was the software architect as well as a part of the development team that developed arguably India’s fastest election results platform. He is a co-applicant in a patent application for real time graphics on television. He has launched greenfield projects co-ordinating with multiple internal and external teams and business verticals within NDTV, integrated traditional and digital processes between TV, Internet and mobiles, conceptualised and delivered innovative technical processes in news broadcast television, developed mobile apps and mobile app back-end architecture.

     

    Iyer has done his BA from Delhi University and has done CISA and CISM from ISACA. 

  • Aditya Swamy quits MTV; to join Flipkart as senior director marketing

    Aditya Swamy quits MTV; to join Flipkart as senior director marketing

    MUMBAI: After a stint of more than nine years, Viacom 18 EVP and MTV & MTV Indies business head Aditya Swamy has put in his papers.

     

    Swamy is slated to join Flipkart as senior director marketing in about two months’ time.

     

    Confirming the same to Indiantelevision.com, Swamy said, “I had a good time with Viacom and I worked there for nine years. The journey has been amazing.”

     

    On his role at Flipkart, he said, “I will be looking after content marketing and digital media at Flipkart.”

     

    Swamy joined Viacom18 Media in June 2006 as MTV EVP and business head where was responsible for content, revenue growth, brand building and communication as well as expanding the channel’s footprint across TV, web, mobile and the live space.

     

    Prior to joining Viacom18, he was with Coca- Cola India as general manager marketing for eight years. 

  • Zee’s Subhash Chandra plans succession; names Amit Goenka as head – international biz

    Zee’s Subhash Chandra plans succession; names Amit Goenka as head – international biz

    MUMBAI: In a bid to steer to company towards the future, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd’s (Zeel) Next Gen is stepping into pivotal roles. While Zeel chairman Subhash Chandra had pulled in his elder son Puneet Goenka into the firm a decade ago, he is now shoring up the senior management by bringing in his younger son Amit Goenka as CEO of Zeel’s international broadcasting business.

     

    Even as Puneet has steered Zeel to greater heights as its managing director and CEO, Amit, who was earlier the non executive chairman of the company, has been entrusted with the responsibility to provide clear focus to the company’s international operations. 

     

    To this effect, Zeel is reorganising its overseas broadcasting operations of all international channels, excluding sports, English channels and uplinking activities, under a wholly owned subsidiary of its company Asia Today Ltd (ATL). Currently, these operations are housed under Zeel’s overseas subsidiaries ATL, Mauritius (being renamed as ATL Media Ltd) and Zee Multimedia Worldwide (Mauritius) Ltd and their respective subsidiaries.

     

    Additionally, Zeel has also got board approval to write-off of an investment of GBP 3.25 million (equivalent to Rs. 33.06 crore) made by ATL, in 2013 for acquiring a minority stake in MirriAD Ltd., UK. This write-off was on account of continuing losses and consequent capital reduction and restructuring in the latter.

     

    “Bringing in Amit is a good move by Chandra as he has successfully been working behind the scenes at the Essel Group on innovations and business development despite heading Playwin as its CEO. He has a good deal of experience under his belt, which should help Zeel achieve Chandra’s global vision for Zee,” says a media observer. “It’s good succession planning by the savvy mediapreneur. And it’s quite akin to what his former partner Rupert Murdoch has done in recent times by bringing in his elder son Lachlan in a non-executive capacity as News Corp co-chairman and 21st Century Fox. His younger son James has been running 21st Century Fox as its CEO much earlier.”

     

    A techie at heart, Amit has more than 10 years experience and is the CEO of Pan India, which runs the online lottery business under the Playwin brand. Some of the other projects where he is involved are ITZ Cash, animation division, wireless mobility, 7575 short code business, Digital Media Convergence Limited, Mumbai Football Club, All Sports Bar and All Sports Magazine amongst others. Amit has also worked with Zee Telefilms and was closely associated with the group’s investment and restructuring of the ICO project, a global mobile telephony project during his early days.

     

    Additionally, Zeel executive vice chairman Subodh Kumar has resigned from his post with immediate effect. He will, however, continue as a non-executive director on the Board of the company.

  • TV18 Broadcast names Dhruv Subodgh Kaji & Rajiv Krishan Luthra as additional directors

    TV18 Broadcast names Dhruv Subodgh Kaji & Rajiv Krishan Luthra as additional directors

    MUMBAI: TV18 Broadcast has appointed Dhruv Subodgh Kaji and Rajiv Krishan Luthra as additional directors designated as independent directors of the company.

     

    The company informed the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on 12 October that the Board of Directors of the company has confirmed the appointment of Kaji and Luthra.

     

    Chartered accountant by profession, Kaji served as a finance director of Raymond and has an experience of more than 25 years. His expertise lies in strategic planning. He also served as director of Balaji Telefilms from 2004 to 2010. 

     

    On the other hand, Luthra is the founder and managing partner of Luthra & Luthra Law Offices. He has been rendering advice for over three decades, on a vast range of commercial transactions involving corporate, tax and civil law issues.

  • Bloomberg TV makes Philippines debut

    Bloomberg TV makes Philippines debut

    MUMBAI: Bloomberg TV Philippines debuted this week with live programming broadcast from its new studio in Manila.

     

    Bloomberg Television Philippines is a partnership between Bloomberg TV and Philippines’ media companies Cignal TV, which is also the country’s largest direct to home (DTH) satellite provider.

     

    The debut signalled a further step in BTV’s commitment to deliver the best global and locally relevant business news in key Asia markets, with the Philippines being the third-largest English speaking market in the world.

     

    The First Up Philippines one-hour show went live on air at 7 am local time on Monday, featuring a rare interview with billionaire port operator and casino tycoon Enrique Razon and reports from Bloomberg journalists in New York, Hong Kong and Singapore.

     

    Thought Leaders, a weekly show, featured Philippines Finance Secretary Cesar Purusima.

     

    Future programming will include an in-depth focus on next year’s Presidential election and interviews with candidates as part of the channel’s commitment to fast and accurate daily global broadcast material with unique, tailor-made local content.

  • Reliance Broadcast Network strengthens team with four key hires

    Reliance Broadcast Network strengthens team with four key hires

    MUMBAI: Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL) has strengthend its team with four new hires.

     

    Manoj Lalwani has been named RBNL network chief marketing officer, whereas Renuka Iyer has joined as network sales & distribution head for RBNL.

     

    Additionally, Amita Srivastava has come on board as national head – account planning for RBNL, whereas Bimal Unnikrishnan has been roped in as creative director for Big Magic.

     

    Lalwani will spearhead the overall marketing function of the network including television and radio, while Iyer will be responsible for Network sales & distribution. Both will report to Reliance Broadcast Network Limited chief operating officer Ashwin Padmanabhan.    

     

    Strengthening the programming team, Unnikrishnan will oversee content creation for Big Magic. Srivastava in her new role will be responsible for account planning for the network.

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited CEO Tarun Katial said, “We are happy to have Renuka, Amita, Manoj and Bimal on board who bring with them a wealth of experience and immense knowledge in their respective domains. Together, we aim to create differentiated and unique offerings for our discerning audience. I am sure that the team will add to existing talent pool and will successfully drive the growth story of the group.”

     

    Lalwani was with VLCC Health Care as vice president – sales and marketing for South Asia,  prior to this.

     

    Spearheading the sales function in leadership positions across digital and traditional platforms for close to 15+ years,  Iyer has been associated with brands such as Zee News, Digital Radio Broadcasting Limited and Homeland Networks (USA). She worked with Zee News for 10 years where she was senior vice president (sales) and with Digital Radio Broadcasting Limited as national sales head before moving to Reliance Broadcast Network Limited.

     

    Unnikrishnan has been an integral part of the television industry with over 20 years of experience. He was senior creative director and a key member of the Dance India Dance franchise. Prior to joining Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, he worked with Big Productions as head of non-fiction. He has also had stints with UTV as senior creative director as well as with Miditech.

     

    With an experience of over 17 years in strategic media planning, Srivastava has managed communication solutions for brands across segments, from cosmetics and auto to finance and hospitality amongst others. Prior to joining RBNL, Srivastava was ZenithOptimedia vice president and was heading the Mumbai branch.

  • Fox International Channels ups Jeff Ford as SVP content development

    Fox International Channels ups Jeff Ford as SVP content development

    NEW DELHI: Fox International Channels (FIC) has elevated Jeff Ford as senior vice president – content development Europe & Africa.

     

    He will report to FIC Europe & Africa COO Diego Londono.

     

    The move underscores FIC’s commitment to producing and owning original content. Ford will remain based in London and continues in his current role as FIC UK managing director.

     

    “Jeff’s new role will allow us to produce even more distinctive, bold, original scripted entertainment for our Fox International Channel brands,” said FIC Europe and Africa president Jan Koeppen.

     

    Ford added, “FIC has a content heritage second to none and a proven track record of creating high quality, innovative formats. This new role is a real opportunity to tap into the creative community in Europe. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with fantastic talent from the region and can’t wait to get started on our next international hit.”

     

    Meanwhile, FIC Europe & Africa also confirmed that Kelly Butler will resign as senior vice president of Fox Sports Europe and Africa. Butler joined the company in October 2013.

     

    Londono said, “As a veteran executive of Sports businesses around the world Kelly brought a wealth of knowledge, experience and relationships to FIC. She was instrumental in growing our sports footprint and helping guide strategy, operations, and acquisitions. We wish Kelly all the best for the future.”

  • MTV president Stephen Friedman quits; Discovery’s Sean Atkins steps in

    MTV president Stephen Friedman quits; Discovery’s Sean Atkins steps in

    MUMBAI: After a seven year stint, MTV president Stephen Friedman is stepping down from his post. The move comes in the wake of ratings drop that MTV’s parent company Viacom Inc. is witnessing on many of its channels.

     

    Soon after Friedman announced his resignation, Viacom said that it had appointed Discovery Communications general manager and executive vice president of digital media and strategy Sean Atkins as MTV’s new president. 

     

    Atkins will be overseeing all creative and business operations for the youth entertainment brand and its sister networks, MTV2 and mtvU. He will report to Viacom Music and Entertainment Group president Doug Herzog.

     

    MTV’s programming co-heads, executive vice president and head of scripted development Mina Lefevre and head of reality programming and executive vice president of series development Lauren Dolgen will report directly to Atkins.

     

    “Sean is smart, creative, passionate, and remarkably energized about the sea change at hand in our industry. The strength of MTV lies in its ability to constantly reinvent, and Sean’s forward-thinking, versatile leadership will ensure our brand and business continue to evolve and deliver for our audience,” said Herzog.

     

    With experience at Discovery, HBO, and Yahoo!, Atkins has held leadership positions across development, digital media, production, strategy, marketing, product development, and consumer products. He was a driving force behind Discovery’s 2012 acquisition of millennial-focused Revision3, among the first strategic acquisitions of a multi-channel network by a major media and entertainment company.

     

    Prior to joining the digital media team, Atkins ran the West Coast for Discovery Studios, Discovery Communications’ full-service production studio that develops and produces original programming.

     

    Atkins joined Discovery from HBO where, as senior vice president of digital media. Previously, he was head of programming and development at Yahoo! Entertainment. Before that he was acting-COO for Vulcan Programming. He served concurrently as executive vice president of A. Smith & Co, overseeing development and production for the company. Previously, Atkins also held positions with Warner Bros., Mediaconnex and Disney.

     

    Meanwhile, in his parting note via an internal memo, Friedman said, “After 18 years, including seven at the helm of MTV, it reminds me of what originally inspired me to work here. When I was hired to create the pro-social department, I was told, ‘Your job will be to use MTV’s superpowers for good.’ While I had personally experienced the cultural power of MTV, it wasn’t until I started working here that I understood the true power behind the brand. Those ‘superpowers’ originate with you. Each of you brings your own calling, your own desire to take risks and make new history.”

     

    Speaking about his next move, he added, “Having been blessed to work with you and be part of this remarkable brand for the better part of my career, I am leaving to return full time to what tempts my soul to rise. My next adventure will be focused full time on giving back, on social impact, and on applying what I’ve learned from MTV about the power of brands and storytelling to create positive change. What MTV understood at its inception, a growing part of the world is now actively pursuing. We’re in the midst of a boom of mission driven companies that are redefining business while tackling some of the biggest social challenges we face.”

  • Uday Shankar named Best CEO at Forbes India Leadership Award 2015

    Uday Shankar named Best CEO at Forbes India Leadership Award 2015

    MUMBAI: Leading one of India’s biggest broadcast company from the front – Star India CEO Uday Shankar – has time and again challenged the status quo and taken multiple risks, which have in turn reaped multiple rewards.

     

    One of the most powerful man in the Indian media and entertainment industry, Shankar has been named as the Best CEO of a Multi-National Company (MNC) at the Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2015, which were held at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.

     

    The award marks a break from convention at FILA, with Shankar becoming the first MNC head of a media and entertainment company to receive the honour.

     

    Shankar was selected from amongst a shortlist of nominees that included leaders from top-notch companies like Hindustan Unilever, Samsung, ABB India and Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

     

    The jury for the Forbes India Leadership Award 2015 comprised the likes Marico India chairman Harish Mariwala, HSBC India chairman Naina Lal Kidwai, McKinsey India managing director Noshir Kaka and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co India country head Sanjay Nayar.

     

    Accepting the award, Shankar said, “I feel enormously humbled to be receiving this honour on behalf of Star India. We are a multinational company albeit with an Indian heart. Our endeavour has been to harness the transformational power of media to foster social change and thereby inspire a billion imaginations.’”

     

    “I would not be here receiving this award, if I was not a journalist – that introduced me to the value of being socially relevant and to see the nuances that the untrained eye could easily miss. It also showed me that the value in life comes from doing big things – the headlines. And finally, it taught me to do the right thing, not be intimidated by competition because everybody makes as many mistakes,” he added.

     

    From shaping the content and marketing strategy for Star India’s multiple channels across genres, charting out the company’s digital strategy with Hotstar, heading the Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF) – the apex organisation representing television broadcasters, to being a part of power-packed policy meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch, Shankar juggles multiple responsibilities with élan. In fact, he was the only Indian CEO to be present at PM Modi’s roundtable meeting on media, technology and communications in the US recently alongside News Corp and 21st Century Fox executive chairman Rupert Murdoch and a host of other CEOs from various American organisations.

     

    Shankar took on as CEO of Star India in 2006 and will be completing a decade in the role next year.

  • MSM strengthens Sony team with four top-level hires

    MSM strengthens Sony team with four top-level hires

    MUMBAI: In an attempt to strengthen its team and galvanise renewed energy into its flagship channel Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Multi Screen Media (MSM) has made four top level appointments.

     

    The company has appointed Danish Khan as EVP & business head for Sony Entertainment Television. He steps into the shoes of erstwhile business head Nachiket Pantvaidya. Khan was previously programming head at Star Plus.

     

    Additionally, as a part of Khan’s core team, the company has made three new appointments. Anup Vishwanathan has been named as SVP and head marketing, Anshuman Sinha has come on board as SVP and senior creative director, whereas Ritesh Modi has been appointed as VP and creative director. The trio alongside Khan will be working with a battery of seasoned professionals at MSM. 

     

    As the man at the helm for SET, Khan will be driving the overall business of the channel including its objectives of channel growth, viewership and developing innovative revenue opportunities. Khan has earlier spent ten years in MSM in various marketing roles.

     

    In his new role, Vishwanathan will be working closely with Khan to amplify and support efforts towards the growth of SET and to substantiate the brand equity for the channel, primarily with its viewership base. 

     

    During the course of his work across various advertising agencies such as Leo Burnett, Mudra Communications and McCann Erickson, Vishwanathan has earlier serviced the SET portfolio from the agency side, for six years. He moves from Times Network where he was marketing head of the English Movie cluster.

     

    On the other hand, Sinha comes to MSM with 17 years of work experience. His forte lies in synergising consumer sentiment with progressive content. Sinha will join forces with Modi in charting a new creative course for SET. Modi, who has 18 years of working life behind him, specialises in non-fiction reality show formats and has a deep understanding of regional markets.

     

    MSM chief executive officer NP Singh said, “Given rising industry competitiveness coupled with a steady surge of growing audience expectations, innovation has become the key to success and growth. It is imperative that consumer insights dictate a channel’s look and feel as well as programming.”

     

    “The new team is not only seasoned and versatile but also willing to go the extra mile to ensure that consumer choice becomes the key to new offerings from SET – the flagship channel of MSM. This new team is committed to writing the next chapter of our growth story and they have my full support,” he added.