ITV

Category: People

  • Structured succession planning process is on for my successor: NP Singh

    Structured succession planning process is on for my successor: NP Singh

    MUMBAI: With the announcement that NP Singh has decided to hang up his boots at SPNI, an era is coming to an end. One of the few senior executives to have seen it all, from traditional pay TV broadcasting to the streaming revolution followed by its fizzling out, NP (as he is called) is leaving behind extremely large boots to be filled. 

    A hard-nose finance professional and one of the few Sikhs to lead a media company in India, he stepped into the effervescent Kunal Dasgupta’s shoes, from his CFO’s position in the previous decade. He led SPNI well: making it one of the most profitable broadcasters in India – and even Asia – by focusing on the bottom line, taking hard decisions like not overbidding for IPL rights and even dropping a property that Sony had spent more than a decade developing.  

    He was one of the key executives – apart from those in Los Angeles – who worked on the now-aborted merger of SPNI (Culver Max) with Zee Entertainment. 

    Known to be reticent and  almost media shy despite running a M&E major, NP never let the glamour and glitz of the broadcasting business get to him. So it’s no surprise that  the note he sent out to his team, is subtle and subdued in its messaging.  Read on for details of the message: 

    Today, I have a significant update to share. After nearly 44 years in my career, including a rewarding 25-year tenure at SPNI, I have decided to move on from my role as MD and CEO. Having reached many significant milestones with our team, I am now ready to focus on social change and shift from operational roles to advisory ones. 

     

    However, my commitment to SPNI and its success remains strong. During my time here, we have established industry benchmarks, expanded our reach, and achieved many noteworthy accomplishments. I am dedicated to ensuring our legacy of success continues and grows under the new leadership.

     I will continue to lead SPNI until we find the right person to take over. We have begun a structured succession planning process for my successor and hope to have exciting news to share in the near future. Finding the right fit is our top priority.

     I understand there may be speculation during this time, so I urge everyone to rely on our official updates. We are committed to sharing timely and transparent information through our established channels and will communicate any definitive updates directly.

     Thank you for your trust and support. Your commitment and patience are vital as we navigate this transition and continue our path of growth and innovation.

  • Bobby Pawar joins Network18 to lead creative initiatives in branded content

    Bobby Pawar joins Network18 to lead creative initiatives in branded content

    Mumbai: News18 Studio, the branded content arm of Network18, has announced the appointment of renowned adman and former chairman & chief creative officer of Havas Group, Bobby Pawar as a creative consultant. In this role, Bobby will work closely with the network’s branded content team to lead creative initiatives and infuse innovative solutions into brand strategies.

    With over 30 years in advertising, Bobby Pawar is a legendary figure known for his exceptionally effective work for numerous brands. He has received over 400 awards throughout his illustrious career, cementing his status as a leading creative force in the field.

    Prior to joining News18 Studio, Bobby was chairman & chief creative officer at Havas Group. With successful stints as a CCO in Publicis and JWT India, he is credited with turning around the creative reputations and fortunes of these agencies. His advertising work, created for agencies in India and USA, has won more than 400 Indian and international awards.

    Commenting on his new role, Bobby Pawar said, “It’s an exciting step for me to help create powerful brand stories through engaging content after having done my bit in conventional advertising. I am thrilled to join the talented team at Network 18 and use my experience to push creative boundaries for effective solutions. I look forward to helping create compelling content that not only entertains but also inspires and engages audiences, and equally creates impact for brands.”

    Speaking on the new appointment, News18 Studio president S Shivakumar said, “At News18 Studios, we integrate newsworthy content with a story-first approach to drive conversations and achieve brand objectives. Having someone of Bobby’s stature with us will energise our creative endeavours and also inspire our young team. We look forward to Bobby helping us deliver more impactful solutions that resonate with our brand partners.”

    As Network18’s branded content division, News18 Studio partners with purpose-driven brands to lead powerful conversations that contribute to nation-building. Brand partnerships play a key role in driving brand narratives, fostering a sense of community, and aligning with cultural movements, all while engaging stakeholders who shape the future. Through engaging storytelling, brands can communicate their vision, spark innovation, drive positive conversations, and make products and services more accessible and relatable to consumers.

    News18 Studio’s recent high-impact initiatives include ‘Mission Swachhta aur Paani’ with Harpic, ‘Sanjeevani – United Against Cancer’ with Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation and Tata Trusts, ‘Period or Pride’ with Whisper and ‘Sustainable is Attainable’ with Tata Power, among various others.

  • Dimpy Yadav joins Mindshare as Head of Digital Strategy

    Dimpy Yadav joins Mindshare as Head of Digital Strategy

    Mumbai: Mindshare, the media services company that is part of GroupM and WPP, today announces the appointment of Dimpy Yadav as the new Head of Digital Strategy. Dimpy’s expertise and experience will play a pivotal role in shaping Mindshare’s digital narrative and enhancing our digital product offerings for both existing and new clients.

    Dimpy brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in driving impactful and data-driven strategies for brands. Her passion for leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimize advertising efforts has been evident throughout her career. In her previous role as General Manager at Xaxis India, Dimpy successfully navigated the ever-evolving landscape of programmatic advertising, demonstrating her ability to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver results.

    With a track record spanning 15 years in the industry, Dimpy has honed her skills in designing and executing digital and media strategies across various channels and streams. Her specialization in Artificial intelligence tools and frameworks further strengthens Mindshare’s capabilities in delivering innovative solutions to clients.

    Mindshare – South Asia CEO Amin Lakhani said, “Dimpy’s wealth of experience and expertise will be invaluable in propelling our digital strategy forward. Her deep understanding of the digital landscape and track record of driving impactful results align perfectly with our vision for innovation and growth.

    Yadav expressed, “I’m optimistic to be part of such a dynamic team at Mindshare. The opportunity to craft innovative digital strategies and drive meaningful results is both motivating and inspiring. I look forward to starting this journey, full of possibilities, making impactful contributions, and achieving great success together.”

    Dimpy will be based out of Mindshare’s Gurgaon office.

  • Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri to join as the new chief of measurement science & analytics, BARC India

    Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri to join as the new chief of measurement science & analytics, BARC India

    Mumbai: Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has announced the appointment of Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri as its new chief of measurement science & analytics. He will succeed Dr Derrick Gray, a veteran Audience Measurement and Advanced Analytics executive, who has been a well-respected member of the BARC India family for six incredible years.

    Dr Bikramjit Chaudhuri (Bikram) is a PhD from IIT Bombay and holds a master of statistics degree from the Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi. He comes in with a rich experience spanning over three decades in the areas of Statistics, Stochastic Modelling, Market Measurement, Consumer Segmentation, AI & ML, Demand Forecasting and Big Data Analytics. He has several research papers, publications, and patents in these aspects under his belt.

    Bikram is currently associated with the Datamatics Group of Companies as the Global Head of Data Science & Advanced Analytics, since 2016. Prior to Datamatics, Bikram has held multiple leadership roles, and has led large teams of senior talent across levels at KPMG, Nielsen and ZS Associates.

    Sharing his enthusiasm, Bikram said, “I am excited to join BARC India as the Chief of Measurement Science & Analytics. It will be an absolute honour and privilege to be a part of a multitalented and versatile team that runs the largest Audience Measurement system in the world, in one of the most complex multimedia markets. I am looking forward to leveraging my deep expertise and diverse experience to further evolve the current measurement system to meet the growing needs of the industry. Looking forward to an exhilarating journey and a fulfilling association with BARC India.”

    BARC India chief executive officer Nakul Chopra said, “Derrick has been a wonderful partner, a mentor and a friend to numerous individuals and industry peers. We congratulate him as he embraces his next adventure and wish him nothing but the absolute best. In his stead, I’m happy to welcome Bikram to the BARC India family. He brings deep knowledge and rich expertise in Big Data, Research and Business Intelligence. I’m confident that with his strategic vision and passion for excellence, he will not only uphold the legacy Derrick leaves us with but also help navigate our future in this fast-evolving environment.”

  • Bandhan Life appoints Indranil Dutta as CBO – Bancassurance

    Bandhan Life appoints Indranil Dutta as CBO – Bancassurance

    Mumbai: Bandhan Life announced the appointment of Indranil Dutta as chief business officer – Bancassurance. This appointment reflects Bandhan Life’s strategic commitment to transforming into a leading multi-channel life insurance company with an expanded presence across product categories.

    Indranil Dutta brings 23 years of experience in insurance, banking, and sales to Bandhan Life, specialising in bancassurance. He played a pivotal role in developing Axis Bank’s relationship with Max Life, which has grown into its largest distribution channel. Previously, he held key roles at Tata AIG Life Insurance, ABN AMRO Bank, and Citibank. Indranil’s proven track record in relationship management, analytical acumen, and innovative sales strategies will be invaluable in scaling Bandhan Life and expanding its reach.

    Bandhan Life MD and CEO Satishwar B remarked: “We are delighted to welcome Indranil Dutta to our leadership team. His deep expertise in bancassurance, coupled with his strategic foresight, will be instrumental in driving our ambitious growth agenda. “Bharat Ki Udaan, Bandhan Se” is our commitment to securing the financial aspirations of every individual. Indranil’s leadership will help us shape a strong, sustainable bancassurance business that aligns with this mission. Together we are poised to extend our reach far and wide in India, ensuring the delivery of innovative, customer-centric life insurance solutions.”

    Indranil shared; “I am thrilled to join Bandhan Life, a dynamic and young brand dedicated to securing the financial goals of a larger Bharat. Leveraging our digital prowess, we aim to enable our bank partners to seamlessly offer customized solutions to their clients. We are working on a series of innovative product solutions to provide the best to our customers. In line with our brand promise, customers will always be at the core of everything we do at Bandhan Life.”

    Bandhan Life recently announced plans to hire 1,000 new employees in its immediate growth phase as it aims to fortify its presence and offer its products and services to its expanding customer-base across the country. This appointment reaffirms its commitment to building a robust and talented workforce. Indranil joins a vibrant leadership team that is driving the company’s strategic initiatives and overall growth.

  • Dipesh Doshi joins B4U as Head-Branded Content & Partnerships

    Dipesh Doshi joins B4U as Head-Branded Content & Partnerships

    Mumbai: Dipesh has 18 years of media experience & has worked across TV, Digital & Print mediums and specialises in Branded Content business. He brings with him rich experience of understanding brand marketing needs & creating optimised content solutions. His last stint was with Times Internet Ltd as National Manager – Spotlight (Languages), where he was leading content solutions on the 8 languages platform. Prior to that he has worked with dynamic & new age media companies like Pocket Aces, Worldwide Media (BCCL Group), The Walt Disney Company India, Ibibo & INX News

    On joining, Dipesh said, “I am super thrilled to join B4U Network & spearhead their new vertical Branded Content. Our efforts will be to create a lot of firsts & in the process achieve new milestones with a focussed approach towards content solutions, this will open new horizons in digital & activation space which is B4Us networks new outlook. The idea is to create experiential content opportunities by optimising B4Us Network strength & constantly innovate to be relevant in this space.”

    Johnson Jain said “We are happy to have Dipesh on board, his expertise in Branded Content space will certainly add great value. This year our focus will be to strengthen Branded Content vertical, there’s a huge opportunity we foresee in the space and that has been further reinforced with our recent wins. We want to help our partner organisations strengthen their brand credibility by associating with meaningful, positive & quality content, by providing creative solutions which help brands get seamlessly integrated into the proposition. We are all geared up to do some path breaking work with our esteemed partners across our Linear & Digital assets.

  • Amagi appoints Richard Perkett as chief product officer

    Amagi appoints Richard Perkett as chief product officer

    Mumbai: Amagi, the global leader in cloud-based SaaS technology for broadcast and connected TV (CTV), has announced the appointment of Richard Perkett as its chief product officer (CPO). Richard brings over 25 years of experience in product management, product marketing, engineering, and user experience (UX) to Amagi, with a proven track record of leading SaaS-centric product strategies across multiple industries.

    “We are excited to welcome Richard Perkett to Amagi as our new Chief Product Officer,” said Amagi co-founder & CEO Baskar Subramanian. “As Amagi enters its next phase of growth — Amagi 2.0 — Richard’s strategic vision and deep product expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of our product offerings. His experience in building and scaling comprehensive SaaS platforms aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering unparalleled value to our customers.”

    As chief product officer, Richard is set to steer Amagi’s product strategy with an acute focus that is meticulously aligned with customers’ goals and priorities. His role will involve not only pinpointing their unique challenges but also deeply understanding their specific needs. Richard’s strategic vision and sharp insights are crucial as Amagi aims to develop targeted solutions that effectively address these challenges and aid in its customers’ success. His leadership is expected to greatly enhance the company’s capacity to tailor offerings in ways that truly resonate with and benefit customers, ensuring Amagi’s products are indispensable tools for their progress.

    Amagi CPO Richard Perkett said, “I’m incredibly excited to join Amagi at such a pivotal time in the company’s journey. The opportunity to lead a talented product organization and contribute to shaping Amagi 2.0 is truly inspiring. I am confident that by fostering a strong product culture, we will be able to deliver even greater value to our customers and achieve remarkable growth.”

    It is notable that at the recently concluded NAB Show 2024, Amagi’s DYNAMIC, a market-leading product in the asset management, automation and playout category, won the NAB Product of the Year Award.

     

  • Republic Media Network unleashes expansion in top management

    Republic Media Network unleashes expansion in top management

    Mumbai: Republic Media Network, India’s rapidly expanding media conglomerate, is thrilled to announce its fresh, dynamic, and strategic role changes to its senior management team, further solidifying its position for a mega growth journey ahead.

    The decisions are in continuance of the vision of Republic Media Network’s chairman Arnab Goswami that the network’s business should be bifurcated into robust independent verticals, each expanding the realms of potential in terms of scaling up. The decisions also reflect the Network’s solid belief in building talent within and unleashing its power through the supersonic yet steady scale-up journey.

    In the wave of decisions,

     .  Arun Rawat takes over as the nation head for Republic Bharat

    .   Satabadi Sharma Pathak takes over as the head of Republic Kannada

     .  Purnasha Sharraf takes over as the national head of Republic Bangla

     .  Abhinav Sharma takes over as the head of Republic TV

     .  Sanjukta Kapoor takes a leadership role in business branded content

     .  Joy Michael Dsouza takes a leadership role in government business

    Arun Rawat, a seasoned industry veteran, has been an integral part of the Republic Media Network since its inception and has played a pivotal role in shaping its success story. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Rawat is poised to lead Republic Bharat to unprecedented heights of success in market dominance.

    Satabadi Sharma Pathak has successfully led Republic Bharat, ensuring its business vision is executed strategically and with dynamism. Under Pathak, Republic Kannada has quickly achieved remarkable revenue growth within a short time. Pathak has been a core contributor to driving the growth trajectory of Republic’s regional language operations.

    Purnasha Sharraf, leveraging her extensive experience and strategic acumen, steps into the role of national head of Republic Bangla to spearhead revenue expansion and drive excellence in the region. With a seasoned background and an established delivery record, Sharraf ascends to the esteemed role of national head of Republic Bangla. Her extensive experience and astute leadership promise a bright future as she embarks on a fresh mission to not only expand revenue but also to take Bengal’s most successful news channel to greater heights.

    Abhinav Sharma brings with him a successful record of delivery with India’s leading news media brands. As the head of Republic TV, Sharma will level up the network’s legacy of fearless growth, bolstering advertiser experiences and innovative strategic partnerships on the platform to optimize revenue potential.

    Sanjukta Kapoor takes a leadership role in business branded content, poised to propel the Network’s revenue growth through a wide array of strategies and impactful collaborations. Kapoor has been an integral part of the network and has contributed significantly to its growth and achievements.

    Joy Michael Dsouza, stepping into the leadership role of government business, brings a spirit of enthusiasm and dedication. With a focus on fostering strong partnerships and driving innovative solutions, Dsouza will play a pivotal role in advancing Republic Media Network’s objectives in the government sector.

    Republic Media Network’s core philosophy, as inscribed by its chairman Arnab Goswami, has not only nurtured talent but also fostered a culture of empowerment, instilling unwavering confidence in emerging leaders who embody ambition and drive. The network congratulates its large and formidable leaders on their new roles and believes they are primed to spearhead the network’s ambitious expansion plans ahead.

    With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future, on behalf of Republic Media Network, CEO (broadcast business) Hersh Bhandari, said the network is delighted to welcome the accomplished professionals to key leadership positions.

    Commenting on the new appointments, Republic Media Network CEO (broadcast business) Hersh Bhandari said, “I am delighted today and wish the leaders all the very best on their new roles. We know they’re going to deliver exceptionally and take Republic Media Network to heights yet to be reached in Indian media. What’s particularly satisfying to me today is that Republic cultivates talent and unleashes them in positions of top decision-making. At a time that the Network is on the brink of a mega wave of expansion, we are confident that this team will shoulder the business objectives with passion, aggression, and innovation.”

    “The network remains dynamic, aggressive in the investments we make, and adaptable in an ever-evolving landscape, positioning it as a leader in innovation and opportunity,” Bhandari added.

    With a strategic focus on scaling up across languages, mediums, and verticals, Republic Media Network is steadfast in its commitment to dive into new avenues for growth and investment. This forward-looking approach has been consistent with the Republic story since its launch in 2017.

  • Kulfi Collective expands board with Divya Karani as chairperson

    Kulfi Collective expands board with Divya Karani as chairperson

    Mumbai: Kulfi Collective, a creative network in India that functions at the intersection of content, community and culture, has announced the appointment of Divya Karani as chairperson and executive director of its Board. Divya’s three-decade journey has shaped her into a pivotal figure in steering some of the largest advertising and media groups across India, South Asia, the UK and the Asia Pacific. Most recently, Divya was the CEO of Dentsu Media, South Asia, where she led the agency for over 12 years to become one of the dominant media agency networks in the region.

    Kulfi Collective, through its three divisions, Supari Studios, Post Office & Keeda Media, has partnered with the world’s leading brands and platforms such as Spotify, Red Bull, Netflix, Lego, Flipkart and Zomato to deliver content, experiences & IPs that shape culture. The addition of Divya to the board brings strategic insights into the fusion of creativity, technology, and data that is at the core of Kulfi’s unique approach of bringing brands closer to consumers and culture through content, community and commerce.

    Divya expressed her excitement about contributing to Kulfi’s vision, “I am honoured to join Kulfi Collective at such a transformative time. Together, we aim to redefine the creative network model, with an emphasis on agility, authenticity and purpose that resonates with a connected generation.”

    “Divya joining the board will help us build the right governance frameworks as we scale globally. Further, her deep expertise will help us build upstream capabilities to bring brands closer to communities and subcultures in music, sports, gaming, entertainment and lifestyle,” said Kulfi Collective co-founder & CEO Advait Gupt.

    Earlier this year, Kulfi was the first Indian member to join the prestigious Society of Digital Agencies, a network of the world’s most innovative and celebrated digital agencies. Divya’s appointment, coupled with Kulfi’s roster of award-winning work, further cements the collective’s position as a leading creative network in the country and select global markets in the coming years.

  • Zee News onboards Rahul Sinha as managing editor

    Zee News onboards Rahul Sinha as managing editor

    Mumbai: Zee Media Corp Ltd (ZMCL) is pleased to announce the homecoming of esteemed journalist Rahul Sinha as the managing editor of Zee News. Sinha’s return to Zee News marks a significant milestone, bringing with it over 26 years of rich experience and a legacy of journalistic excellence.

    Rahul Sinha’s journey in journalism began at Veer Arjun newspaper in Moradabad, where he laid the groundwork for a career characterized by unwavering dedication and profound contributions. With notable tenures at esteemed media outlets including Jain TV, TV9 Bharatvarsh, and Sahara Samay, Sinha has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate the dynamic landscape of news reporting with finesse and integrity. In his new role, he assumes responsibility for leading the news operations of the channel and contributing to its success through strategic editorial planning and channel programming.

    With a proven track record in managing dynamic newsroom environments and leading high-performing teams, Sinha is poised to uphold the standards of excellence at Zee News, recognized for his groundbreaking investigative reporting and comprehensive coverage of significant events, both domestically and internationally.

    Sinha’s association with Zee News dates back to 2002, where he spent 18 years honing his craft and playing a pivotal role in shaping the channel’s editorial direction. His tenure at Zee News was marked by a commitment to delivering accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism, earning him widespread respect within the industry and among viewers alike.

    Zee Media Corp Ltd CEO Abhay Ojha expressed his enthusiasm for Sinha’s return highlighting, “Rahul Sinha’s appointment as Managing Editor heralds a new chapter of excellence for Zee News. His wealth of experience and proven track record in the industry will undoubtedly elevate our editorial standards and strengthen our position as a trusted news source. With Rahul at the helm, we are confident that Zee News will continue to uphold the highest principles of journalism.”

    Rahul Sinha, commenting on his appointment, said, “It is an honor to return to Zee News, a platform that has always prioritized truth and integrity in journalism. Joining Zee News once again, I am inspired by a vision of journalism that goes beyond mere storytelling. My long-term goal is to create a media ecosystem that fosters critical thinking, encourages dialogue, and empowers individuals to become active participants in shaping their communities. Together, we will strive to make a meaningful difference in the world through our commitment to truth, fairness, and ethical journalism.”

    His leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of Zee News and continue in reaffirming its status as a beacon of credible journalism.