ITV

Category: People

  • Hari Om appoints Angira Vats as content head

    Hari Om appoints Angira Vats as content head

    Mumbai: Hari Om, an OTT platform for Indian heritage and religious content, has announced the appointment of veteran creative director – Angira Vats as their content head.

    Angira with her experience will be steering the development of original content and enhancing Hari Om’s diverse offerings. She will be spearheading crucial facets of production such as conceptualisation, screenplay and storytelling. Furthermore, she will be overseeing a team of specialised researchers, writers and creatives, to ensure the choicest of material for our audiences’ viewing.

    Angira Vats brings over two decades of extensive experience in writing and direction to Hari Om. Her illustrious career includes assisting in the direction of acclaimed films such as Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Bewafa, and Lucky: No Time for Love. Transitioning into the Indian television industry, Angira has creatively spearheaded some of the most groundbreaking shows like Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev, Siya Ke Ram, Dastan-e-Mohabbat Salim Anarkali, Jai Shri Krishna, and Prithvi Vallabh. Her expertise spans across conceptualizing, designing, researching, and executing distinct looks and feels for genres ranging from mythology, fantasy, and historical, to comedy and adventure. Angira’s specific working knowledge of CGI has also been instrumental in her success within these genres.

    Group SVP Nivedita Basu stated, “We are delighted to have Angira Vats join the Hari Om family. Her extensive experience and unparalleled talent makes her the perfect fit for the platform. With Angira at the helm of content, we are confident that Hari Om will reach greater heights and continue to provide enriching and engaging content to our users.”

    Angira Vats shared her enthusiasm about her new role, “I am delighted to be a part of Hari Om’s dynamic and growing team. Working with a visionary leader like Vibhu Agarwal, who has redefined content consumption in India, is truly inspiring. I look forward to contributing to this vision and creating content that resonates with audiences worldwide.”

    Hari Om remains committed to its mission of celebrating and preserving Indian heritage and spirituality, and with Angira Vats leading the content team, the platform is poised to continue its journey of innovation and excellence.

  • SPNI announces Ashok Nambissan & Nitin Nadkarni’s retirement

    SPNI announces Ashok Nambissan & Nitin Nadkarni’s retirement

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced the retirement of two key leaders, general counsel Ashok Nambissan and chief financial officer (CFO) Nitin Nadkarni, effective 31 August 2024. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping SPNI’s success.

    Nitin Nadkarni, who joined SPNI in 2005, has been an invaluable leadership team member, driving the financial mandate and leading strategic financial initiatives for SPNI globally. As CFO, head of broadcast operations and network engineering (BONE), and head of commercial, Nitin has been pivotal in optimising SPNI’s commercial operations, ensuring maximum efficiency, and driving profitability through innovative strategies and diligent management. His sharp business acumen and analytical mindset have been instrumental in SPNI’s financial growth strategy. He has guided SPNI on its sustainability journey, implementing numerous initiatives to achieve a zero environmental footprint by 2050.

    With over four decades of experience in the financial sector, Nitin has garnered extensive expertise across industries, including engineering, specialty chemicals, and media & entertainment. His deep knowledge has significantly influenced SPNI’s strategies and operations, providing a solid foundation for the company’s future. Throughout his tenure, he has played a crucial role in fortifying SPNI’s financial resilience, implementing robust internal controls, and enhancing our financial reporting systems. His steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability has set benchmarks within the organisation, ensuring the company’s financial stability and growth.

    “Working alongside the leadership team at SPNI has been an enriching experience. Our efforts have always focused on maintaining the highest financial integrity and operational excellence standards. I am proud of our efforts in fostering a culture of accountability and precision. This commitment to excellence continues to drive our success and innovation in the industry,” said Nitin Nadkarni.

    According to SPNI MD & CEO NP Singh, “Nitin has been a pillar of strength for SPNI. His financial expertise, strategic insights, and unwavering commitment to excellence have significantly contributed to the company’s success. His leadership has been invaluable in navigating complex financial landscapes and driving sustainable growth. We are immensely grateful for his dedication and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

    Ashok Nambissan has been a vital part of SPNI since 2007, playing a crucial role in shaping its legal and regulatory framework and ensuring compliance across all operations. He oversaw the corporate relations, legal and regulatory affairs, and standards & practices functions for SPNI’s businesses in India. As the company’s Ombudsperson, he demonstrated exemplary dedication to integrity and ethical conduct. His leadership successfully navigated SPNI through complex legal landscapes, safeguarding the company’s interests and fostering a culture of compliance. Notably, Ashok was instrumental in significant achievements such as renegotiating IPL rights and acquiring Ten Sports. His strategic insights and legal expertise have consistently propelled the organisation forward.

    Reflecting on his time at SPNI, Ashok remarked, “My journey at SPNI has been enriching and filled with growth and learning. I am grateful for the opportunities and the support of my colleagues, who made this journey memorable. Contributing to major negotiations and acquisitions and collaborating with industry bodies to shape regulatory frameworks have been career highlights. I am honoured to have been part of the network’s evolution and the launch of new channels and digital platforms, which have been significant milestones.”

    SPNI MD & CEO NP Singh shared, “Ashok’s contributions have been fundamental to our success. His legal expertise and strategic vision have guided SPNI through many challenges and opportunities. Ashok’s leadership in major acquisitions and his skill in navigating complex legal issues have set a high standard for our legal and regulatory practices. His involvement in initiatives like the joint venture with BBC Earth and the expansion of SonyLIV has been crucial. We extend our best wishes to Ashok for a fulfilling retirement.”
     

  • NXTDIGITAL appoints Jaydeep Sampat as CTO

    NXTDIGITAL appoints Jaydeep Sampat as CTO

    Mumbai: NXTDIGITAL, a digital media division of technology-led customer experience company Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd (HGS), with a presence in digital television via cable and satellite, broadband, enterprise services, OTT aggregation and content syndication has appointed Jaydeep Sampat as its chief technology officer.

    Jaydeep, a communications industry veteran with over three decades of experience across various industries will lead the technology functions at NXTDIGITAL Media Group – across broadband, digital television & enterprise solutions.

    In his previous and over a decade long role as chief technology officer at Tikona Infinet Pvt Ltd, he led the establishment of multi-site operations from the ground up, managed PAN India IT infrastructure, and directed cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions for retail & enterprise customers. Prior to Tikona, he was a key member of the core technology teams at leading tech companies like Sify, Hughes Tele.com & Rolta.

    At NXTDIGITAL, Jaydeep will play a key role in leveraging new technologies to launch new products and optimise existing solutions. He will also work with the group’s large pan-India broadband & television franchisee base to develop and deliver products in keeping with market demands.

    Commenting on his appointment, HGS’ whole-time director and head of the media group, Vynsley Fernandes said, “We are delighted to welcome Jaydeep to Hinduja Global Solutions and the NXT Media Group. His domain experience with both retail and enterprise customers and driving technology for products and bespoke solutions, aligns perfectly with our company’s vision for the future. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead with him leading technology and delivering delightful products and solutions for our customers”.

    Jaydeep said, “I am passionate about leveraging technology to drive business transformation and am committed to aligning technology with business goals to achieve optimal performance and resilience. I look forward to collaborating with teams and partners at NXTDIGITAL and utilizing all my learnings to build the next level of technological success for what is easily one of India’s premier digital solutions groups”.

  • Disney Star promotes Sumanta Bose to head programming

    Disney Star promotes Sumanta Bose to head programming

    Mumbai: Disney Star has promoted Sumanta Bose, according to media reports. In his expanded role, Bose will oversee Star Bharat, the Hindi and English Movies Cluster, Kids and Infotainment Channels, Regional East, Live Entertainment, and Network Business Analytics & Insights. Bose currently serves as the business head for Star Plus, Star Utsav, Regional East, and the Content Studio for Disney+ Hotstar (Hindi)

    In addition to his current responsibilities, Bose will drive the overall Content Studio for Disney+ Hotstar, encompassing Hotstar Specials (Hindi), AVOD (Hindi) content, and the acquisition of digital movie rights for the platform.

    Bose has been with Disney Star for over a decade, successfully leading Star Jalsha and recently Star Plus to prominent leadership positions. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Bose has amassed extensive experience working across agencies and brands, including RK Swamy, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, Tata Teleservices, and PE Electronics.

  • IN10 Media Network strengthens its leadership team

    IN10 Media Network strengthens its leadership team

    Mumbai: IN10 Media Network has announced the addition of four seasoned industry professionals to its leadership team. With their extensive experience and proven track records in the media and entertainment industry, Amarpreet Singh Saini, Manish Soni, Vinod Rao and Dipti Kalwani, are poised to drive growth and innovation across the network’s platforms.

    On the appointments, IN10 Media Network MD Aditya Pittie said, “These strategic appointments align with our vision to drive excellence in content creation and enhance our content studio library. We are confident that the expertise and leadership of Amarpreet, Manish, Vinod and Dipti will significantly contribute to the growth and success of our channels and platforms.”

    Amarpreet Singh Saini joins as vice president – content & strategy at Filamchi Bhojpuri from ZEEL, where he was chief channel officer for the Bhojpuri cluster (Bhojpuri GEC Zee Ganga and Bhojpuri film channel Zee Biskope). In his new role, he will oversee the viewership growth and brand development of the network’s regional movie channel. Amarpreet stated, “IN10 Media Network is aggressively carving its indelible footprint in the Indian media space, and I am excited to be a part of this growth story. The Bhojpuri category is witnessing dynamic growth in viewership, and Filamchi Bhojpuri has the potential to create a strong success story with a unique identity for itself.”

    Manish Soni has been appointed vice president – content & strategy at Ishara. With over 24 years of experience in the broadcast industry, he was the chief channel officer of Zee Anmol Cinema at ZEEL before joining Ishara. Notably, he played a pivotal role in shaping Zee Anmol from its inception and establishing it as a leader in the FTA genre. At Ishara, he will oversee the channel’s growth and build a content lineup that resonates with Hindi heartland viewers. He commented, “I look forward to curating content that truly connects with our audience. My goal is to create a substantial impact in the genre and elevate the channel’s standing. Waqt ka Ishara hai, apne anmol tajurbe se nayeee responsibility ko sawaarna hai.”

    Vinod Rao joins as vice president – content & strategy at Nazara. With over 20 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Vinod has led general entertainment channels at organizations such as Zee Entertainment, SAB TV, and Shemaroo TV. He said, “With a proven history of driving strategic programming and audience engagement, I am excited and eager to contribute to the network’s continued success and growth. Joining IN10 Media Network is a thrilling opportunity to work and learn alongside a talented team.”

    Dipti Kalwani has been appointed senior vice president – TV & AVOD at Juggernaut Productions. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry as a TV producer, content creator, and writer, Dipti will lead content development for Juggernaut Productions across television and handle the additional responsibility of AVOD platforms. She has produced shows like Badho Bahu, Namak Issk Ka, Fanaa – Ishq Mein Marjawan and many others. Expressing her enthusiasm, she said, “I’m thrilled to join the Juggernaut team and be a part of creating something truly special! I’m eager to bring my ideas to life and create clutter-breaking shows and iconic characters that will leave a lasting impact on TV. I’m looking forward to this exciting new chapter!”

    With the addition of these seasoned veterans to the network, the company fortifies its position in the dynamic Indian media landscape, aiming to enhance growth and deliver impeccably curated content to its audience.

  • Producer Bazaar welcomes Vijay Pravin Maharajan as strategic advisor and investor

    Producer Bazaar welcomes Vijay Pravin Maharajan as strategic advisor and investor

    Mumbai: As Producer Bazaar grows from strength to strength in its endeavour to revolutionise the entertainment industry all over, its burgeoning progress comes from the landscape-modifying decisions taken by the able heads at the helm of affairs. One such game-changer is the sagacious onboarding of Vijay Pravin Maharajan in an investment cum advisory role in the company. A distinguished entrepreneur and a renowned data scientist, he brings along with him a heady mix of wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. This ground-breaking coalescence of Vijay Pravin Maharajan to the team will accelerate the company’s growth and further solidify its standing as the market-leader in the industry.

    A match made in the MEL – metamorphic entertainment landscape

    “We are thrilled to welcome Vijay Pravin Maharajan to the Producer Bazaar family,” a gleeful FIPchain Technology Pvt Ltd founder and CEO G.K. Tirunavukarasu, the company behind Producer Bazaar, gushed out. “His unparalleled expertise in data science and blockchain technology will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the media tech space. We are confident that his insights and guidance will drive our mission forward, ensuring that Producer Bazar remains at the cutting edge of innovation.”

    Seconding G.K. Tirunavukarasu’s unbridled enthusiasm, Producer Bazaar co-founder and CBO Vijay Dingari pointed out. “We are confident that Vijay Pravin Maharajan’s insights and guidance will be invaluable as we continue to revolutionize the way content is bought, sold, and distributed globally. His addition to our advisory board further solidifies our position as the numero uno leader in secure and transparent NFT-based transactions within the entertainment industry.”

    Connecting the Web2 world with the Web3 multiverse

    Producer Bazaar is essentially the Bifrost which connects the erstwhile world of Web2 to the future-is-here world of Web3 by leveraging the latest advancements in blockchain and AI, and nurturing a secure and highly efficient marketplace for intellectual property (IP) rights associated with movies, music, and any other forms of content. The invaluable infusion of Vijay Pravin Maharajan to the team is expected to accelerate the company’s growth, and offers tools and services that enhance content creation, protection, distribution, and monetization.

    As the founder and CEO of BitsCrunch, Vijay Pravin Maharajan has been at the forefront of blockchain analytics, pioneering solutions to safeguard the NFT ecosystem with state-of-the-art technology. His expertise in data science and blockchain technology aligns seamlessly with Producer Bazar’s vision of integrating advanced technologies to revolutionize media and entertainment. “I am excited to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking company that is transforming the entertainment industry. Producer Bazar’s commitment to leveraging technology to empower content creators resonates deeply with me,” Vijay Pravin Maharajan expressed his excessive élan on joining Producer Bazaar. “I look forward to happily contribute towards the company’s growth and helping shape the future of media tech.”

    As an advisor, Vijay Pravin Maharajan will provide strategic guidance on leveraging data and technology to enhance Producer Bazar’s platform capabilities. His role as an investor underscores his belief in the company’s vision and potential to reshape the entertainment landscape. The collaboration between Producer Bazaar and Vijay Pravin Maharajan signifies a powerful synergy of technology and creativity. Together, they are poised to redefine the future of media, offering innovative solutions that empower creators and captivate audiences across the globe.

  • Sahil Chopra promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media

    Sahil Chopra promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media

    Mumbai: Sahil Chopra has been promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. He announced the news via Linkdin post stating, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Associate Vice President at Viacom18 Media Private Limited!”

    Previously, he was associated with JioCinema as senior director – Brand & Sports Marketing, where he was the creative strategy lead for sports portfolio – TATA IPL, BCCI domestic series, Olympics, WPL etc.

    Chopra is a marketing specialist with 11+ years of experience in content marketing across Media platforms. Skilled in creating value for businesses via brands. Trained in Digital Marketing and Social media marketing from the Indian School of business (ISB), Hyderabad and PGDM in Brand Management from MICA.

  • ABP Network announces the departure of CEO Avinash Pandey

    ABP Network announces the departure of CEO Avinash Pandey

    Mumbai: Avinash Pandey joined ABP Network in 2005 and over the years held key positions that contributed to making the brand one of the most successful and respected amongst the nation’s broadcasters. In January 2019, Pandey was appointed as the CEO of ABP Network and under his stewardship, ABP Network further diversified into untapped verticals and markets in the broadcast and digital sphere. Pandey had the vision to recognise the potential of going regional and digital with an emphasis on creating premier content to match the expectations of a demanding pan-India audience.

    The chief editor & director of the ABP Network Atideb Sarkar, thanked Pandey for his contributions to the ABP Network and said, “I would like to thank Avinash for his immense contributions to ABP Network. During his two decades in the company, it has grown manifold in reach, revenue and impact. His leadership in the past five years has seen us at the forefront of digital broadcasting while extending our reach from Jammu to Kanyakumari. He played a key role in our award-winning centenary campaign. On a personal note, he has been a pleasure to work with, a joyful fellow traveller in my professional journey, and a friend. Thank you, Avinash, for all that you have brought to the ABP family. We wish you success and happiness in your future endeavours.”

    Mr. Avinash Pandey said, “I wish to thank the Sarkar Family and Atideb Sarkar, chief editor & director, in particular, for having reposed such faith in me, that I could play a meaningful part in ABP Network’s exhilarating journey of excellence in digital and broadcast. I have found a good friend for life in him. I could achieve all this in 20 years because of an excellent team that surrounded me. I was lucky to meet and work with them and have developed a bonding that’s going to last lifelong.”  Pandey added that the ABP Network would always hold a special place in his heart. He added: “One leaves ABP but ABP never leaves an individual.”

    As the CEO of ABP Network, Pandey led India’s leading television and digital network with four TV channels running 24×7 on cable and satellite, serving in eight languages on digital, touching a total audience of over 500 million. He is the Founding Director of ABP Studios, which has produced award-winning films and TV series. Mr. Pandey is also currently the President of the International Advertising Association (India Chapter). 

  • Varun Kohli joins Times Network as chief operating officer for the news broadcasting business

    Varun Kohli joins Times Network as chief operating officer for the news broadcasting business

    Mumbai: Varun Kohli joins the Times Network as chief operating officer for the news broadcasting business. Varun will report to the managing director’s office while working closely with N Subramanian , executive director and Group CEO, Non-Publishing Business, Times Group. A seasoned media professional with around three decades of leadership experience, Varun has had a distinguished and a  long  media career. Varun brings in  rich experience in  P&L and Operations Management of Broadcasting Business to Times Network. Having launched several successful media brands and turning several others into profitable ventures, he is popularly known as the “Turnaround Man”. He is known to be a people’s manager and works on getting the best out of everyone working with him.

    Apart from media, Varun has also straddled through sports management in leadership role. He was instrumental in launching and organizing several successful seasons of Pro Wrestling League and Big Bout Boxing League for his previous employer, iTV Network. Varun has a  solution-based approach and diverse background across legacy brands, challenger brands and start-ups. Varun  also has been credited for transforming several companies by designing a strategic roadmap and detailed benchmarking. His past organizations include iTV Network as a Group CEO and was successfully heading 10 channels along with two publications and digital ventures of the company for over 8 years. He has also worked with Network18, HT Media Ltd, Amar Ujala Prakashan and other top media houses in senior leadership roles in the past. His last assignment was as Director & CEO of Bharat Express.

    Speaking about Varun’s appointment,  Vineet Jain, Managing Director, Times Group, said “We are happy to announce the appointment of  Varun to the leadership team at Times Network as Chief Operating Officer of the News Broadcasting Business. With his deep experience  in the News Broadcasting Business, we expect Varun to  bring in innovative approaches to Revenue Management and News Business Operations and propel Times Network to the next level of growth. We at Times Group welcome Varun to the team and wish him all the best in his  new role”.

    Speaking about this role, Varun said “It is humbling to be a part of a company with such a great legacy having leadership across brands spanning English News, Hindi News and Business News. Looking forward to creating more success stories across brands at Times Network under the able leadership of Vineet Jain”.
     

  • Creativeland Studios Onboards Industry Luminary Shobha Sant as CEO

    Creativeland Studios Onboards Industry Luminary Shobha Sant as CEO

    Mumbai: Creativeland Studios, led by creative entrepreneur Sajan Raj Kurup announced today via an official statement that Indian film industry luminary, Shobha Sant is set to lead the entertainment enterprise as it’s a chief executive officer.

    With over three decades of experience, Shobha joins Creativeland Studios following her long stint as the Head of content alliances – Films at Jio Studios, a major film studio and prior to which she also served as CEO at Bhansali Productions for over five years.

    “I am delighted to have Shobha onboard at Creativeland Studios. With her vast experience and knowledge across films and creative industries globally, we are certain that this alignment of minds will only prove to create new benchmarks. Creativeland Studios is geared towards championing great content and talent, taking India to the world and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to lead this. We are excited about our slate and the global curators who have joined hands on this common mission” said Sajan Raj Kurup, Founder & Managing Director, Creativeland Studios.

    In her role as CEO, Shobha is set to lead the creative business across the filmed entertainment space which forms a major part of the enterprise and the talent business of AIG-India, the joint venture between Creativeland Studios and Artist International Global

    “I am looking forward to this new chapter with Raj, Jani, Alpa, Jaimie and the extended team at Creativeland Studios in India and Creators Inc. London to build what we believe will be a new-age entertainment ecosystem that focuses on quality content across formats and world-class talent, geared at taking India to the world and bringing the best of world-class talent and content to India,” said Creativeland Studios chief executive officer Shobha Sant.

    Shobha Sant is set to work alongside the Founder & MD, Sajan Raj Kurup and Alpa Golcha who serves as Chief Operating Officer post her stint at Amazon Prime Video India and Dharma Productions.

    Creativeland Studios also recently announced an AIG-India JV with David Unger, to promote Indian talent globally.

    Creativeland Studios (CLS) is a group company of Creativeland Worldwide Limited that is geared to curate and create compelling travelable narratives from India to bring them to the world. With the vision to incubate, create and collaborate, the best of content and talents; the enterprise is focused on taking India to the world and through, be it content or talent.

    Additionally, CLS’s Joint venture with AIG is also geared to represent Indian talent internationally and foster collaborations for international talents in the country. In addition to building a robust slate of content, Creators Inc co-produced the much talked about documentary ‘The Commandant’s Shadow’ directed by Daniela Volker, where Sajan Raj Kurup served as an Executive Producer which is currently playing in theatres across the USA, following acquired by Warner Bros and HBO. Creativeland Studios also produced “No Filter Neha Season 6” in partnership with Jio TV, bringing it to video format.