ITV

Category: People

  • ITV Network Appoints Abhay Ojha as CEO

    ITV Network Appoints Abhay Ojha as CEO

    MUMBAI: ITV Network has appointed Abhay Ojha as chief executive officer for its television, print, digital and sports league business.

    Abhay brings over 25 years of experience across media and FMCG sectors, having previously worked with Zee Media, Star India, Zee Entertainment, Turner and Hindustan Unilever.

    Abhay’s expertise spans multiple industries, including media, FMCG, e-commerce, and financial modeling. He is a skilled change catalyst and financial strategist with a strong background in business management, digital transformation, investments, new business acquisition, and startups.

    Throughout his career, Abhay has successfully led multiple companies through digital transformations, resulting in millions of dollars in profit. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion for innovation, and strong business acumen have enabled him to achieve unprecedented success in launching new businesses.

    “His exceptional leadership skills and business acumen make him ideal to drive our organisation’s growth,” said ITV Foundation chairperson Aishwarya Pandit.

    “It’s an honor to join ITV network, an institution I have long admired and respected. I am drawn to ITV network because of the organisation’s clarity and consistency of purpose and am very excited to partner with the outstanding leadership team to lead the company into the future,” expressed Abhay.

    Abhay  holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Indore and a master’s in business management from IGNOU. In his new role, he will oversee the network’s expansion across multiple platforms and lead its digital transformation initiatives

  • India’s Waves conference finally scheduled from 1-4 May 2025

    India’s Waves conference finally scheduled from 1-4 May 2025

    MUMBAI: It required the intervention of some of the top industrialists and entertainment executives from India and globally, the information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and most of all the prime minister Narendra Modi to nail the final dates for the inaugural  World Audiovisual Entertainment Summit (Waves). Vaishnaw announced on 8 February that Waves would be held from 1-4 May 2025 in Mumbai.

    And the venue: the fabulous JioWorld Convention Centre and the JioWorld Gardens in the famous Bandra-Kurla Complex.

    Said Vaishnaw on X: India is laying the foundation for becoming the creative powerhouse of the world! #WAVES2025 Following an inspiring meeting of the Advisory Board with the PM  @narendramodiJi, the 1st World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) is levelling up to make India the global content hub! This summit will bring together the world’s top media CEOs, biggest entertainment icons, and creative minds from across the globe—unifying entertainment, creativity, and culture like never before! Mark your calendars. Pack your dreams. Get ready to ride the WAVES! 1st – 4th May 2025 .”

    Industry, can be assured now that Modi and Vaishnaw have stamped the dates, there will be no further postponments going forward like there were twice in the past.

  • Prashant Gaonkar gets appointed as CEO of Alpha Pictures

    Prashant Gaonkar gets appointed as CEO of Alpha Pictures

    MUMBAI: Prashant Gaonkar, a seasoned media professional with over 25 years of experience, has been appointed chief executive officer at Alpha Pictures Pte Ltd. Gaonkar, who joined the company this month, brings extensive expertise in content syndication, inflight and maritime entertainment, digital media distribution, and music licensing.

    Throughout his career, Gaonkar has held key leadership positions at major media organisations, driving strategic growth and forging innovative partnerships across global markets.

    Prior to his current role, he served as head of business development at NH Studioz, where he managed India’s largest film library with over 2,500 titles. His responsibilities included content syndication across linear and non-linear platforms, digital business operations on platforms such as YouTube and social media, and leveraging ancillary rights for inflight, maritime, and surface transport sectors.

    Earlier in his career, Gaonkar held the position of vice president, content syndication, and revenue head for music and digital at Eros International. His tenure saw significant achievements, including expanding ErosNow’s music portfolio through partnerships with global streaming platforms such as Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. He played a pivotal role in content licensing for broadcast TV and OTT platforms, as well as launching successful AVOD ventures on YouTube.

    Gaonkar’s contributions to inflight entertainment are particularly noteworthy. He spearheaded content syndication initiatives for Eros, securing partnerships with over 59 international airlines and establishing a strong presence in African and European markets.

    He also held the role of head of inflight entertainment at Crest Animation Studios, where he specialised in supplying programming to prominent airlines, including Air India, Emirates, and Gulf Air. Prior to that, he gained valuable experience as client services manager at both Dattaram Advertising and Shells Advertising, as well as marketing officer at Jasubhai Group.

    A physics graduate from K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, Gaonkar has consistently demonstrated a strategic approach to media and content distribution, with a focus on scalability and sustainability.

  • Zeel CHRO Dheeraj Jaggi resigns

    Zeel CHRO Dheeraj Jaggi resigns

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) has announced the resignation of Dheeraj Jaggi, chief human resources officer and senior management personnel, citing personal reasons. His resignation will take effect from 31 January 2025. The company made this public through a regulatory filing with the Bombay stock exchange on 31 January. 

    In a communication to company CEO Punit Goenka or PG, Jaggi expressed gratitude for his nearly six-year journey at Zeel, describing it as one of the most transformative phases of his career. He highlighted his contributions to the company’s internal transformation, culture, and capability-building agenda, as well as the honour of being entrusted with the responsibility of the CHRO role by  PG.

    Said Jaggi: “I have my deepest gratitude for the journey we have shared. From handling the HR agenda for the largest, diverse and complex businesses across Zeel and leading the internal transformation, culture and capabilities agenda, my journey at Zeel has been one of my career best. The opportunity to reimagine and drive your vision forward through strategy and robust execution, has been an honour and a privilege. The organization’s choice, helmed by you, to recognise my commitment by rewarding me with the responsibility of the CHRO position, is the one I will always have the deepest gratitude for. 

    dh

    Jaggi assured the company of his commitment to serving his full notice period and facilitating a seamless transition. Zeel extended its appreciation for his contributions and wished him success in future endeavours.
     

  • India launches major initiatives for Waves Summit 2025

    India launches major initiatives for Waves Summit 2025

    MUMBAI: The ministry of information and broadcasting marked a significant milestone today with the launch of key initiatives for the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (Waves) at the National Media Centre. Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat led the event, which highlighted India’s ambition to become a global hub for the creative economy.

    The Waves Summit, envisioned as India’s answer to the Davos Economic Forum, aims to showcase the nation’s rich cultural and creative landscape, often referred to as the ‘Orange Economy.’

    Key Initiatives Launched:

    * Waves  Bazaar: A global e-marketplace connecting India’s creative talent with international markets, supporting B2B interactions across sectors like film, TV, music, animation, esports, and gaming.
    * Create in India Challenges: Three new challenges launched:

    o Wah Ustad! – A platform for young classical vocalists, culminating in a grand finale at Waves 2025.

    o Make the World Wear Khadi – A creative campaign to position Khadi as a global brand.

    o Resonate: The EDM Challenge – Inviting global talent to showcase expertise in electronic dance music.

    * Waves Awards: Nominations open on 15 February 2025, celebrating achievements across categories like Game of the Year, Film of the Year, and Advertising Campaign of the Year.

    A new challenge was also announced to encourage filmmakers to explore India’s cultural heritage and tourism, promoting the country’s vibrant traditions to national and international audiences.

    Union Minister of Information &  Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said: “Waves will position India as the global capital of the creator economy, celebrating our cultural strength and innovation.”

    Union Minister of Culture and Tourism  Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, added: “Our cultural heritage is not just a testament to our past but the backbone of our future on the global stage.”

    Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur described India as a “powerhouse of cultural and digital content”, emphasising Waves  as a critical platform to demonstrate India’s creative leadership globally.

    The summit, scheduled for 2025, aims to converge audio, video, and entertainment industries, offering creators a platform to collaborate, network, and showcase their talents to a global audience.

    Says a disgruntled media observer: “Twice, they have postponed it  – twice. Waves is a good initiative but the management of its rollout is something that the government needs to get in order and not just leave it to sarkari types who pay obeisance to their superiors. The prime minister may be behind it, but he is not going to execute it on the ground. IFFI has taken decades to reach the quality it has reached now. The MIB will have to put a lot of checks and balances in place to make Waves work. They can’t continue living in their echo chambers where everything they are doing is good. Shekhar Kapur as a face is history. The doubting Thomases are wondering whether it will be postponed again.” 

  • Sony Pictures Television appoints Jennifer Rogers Doyle as EVP of franchise management

    Sony Pictures Television appoints Jennifer Rogers Doyle as EVP of franchise management

    MUMBAI:  Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has appointed Jennifer Rogers Doyle as executive vice president of franchise management, a newly created role aimed at maximising the value of the company’s intellectual properties (IP).

    Effective immediately, Rogers Doyle will lead SPT’s franchise strategy, collaborating across divisions to drive revenue opportunities for key titles such as Cobra Kai, For All Mankind, The Boys, Outlander, Messi and the Giants, and Bewitched. She will report directly to SPT Studios president Katherine Pope and be based at the Culver City lot.

    Rogers Doyle joins SPT after a 20-year tenure at Disney, where she most recently served as senior vice president of franchise, licensing, and integrated planning. Her work spanned projects for Disney Entertainment Networks, Disney Channel, 20th Television & Animation, FX, and ABC, with content streaming across Disney+ and Hulu.

    During her time at Disney, she managed franchises for preschool favourites including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Doc McStuffins, tween hits like Hannah Montana and High School Musical, and adult properties including Percy Jackson, Family Guy, and The Bear. She previously held roles at Warner Bros Consumer Products and Landmark Entertainment group.

    “With our ever-expanding series universes, we are focused on enhancing fan engagement and driving long-term IP value,” said Katherine Pope. “Jennifer’s expertise in franchise development makes her the perfect fit for this role. We are thrilled to have her join the team.”

    Rogers Doyle commented: “Sony Pictures has an incredible portfolio of classic and new IP. I am excited to collaborate with Katherine and the team to extend this storytelling beyond the screen through products, experiences, and social activations that deepen fan loyalty.”

  • Disney’s Iger’s big pay harvest in 2024

    Disney’s Iger’s big pay harvest in 2024

    MUMBAI: Can you guess how much Bob Iger was rewarded for being a part of the decision making during  the $10-odd billion Reliance-Viacom18-Disney Star India joint venture called JioStar? Not just for that monumental merger but also for the strategic leadership decisions he made throughout 2024?

    He received an impressive 30 per cent pay rise, taking home a staggering $41.1 million – equivalent to a cool ?350 crore. Around Rs 1 crore a day if you round up figures. Now, that’s some serious money!

    Breaking it down, Iger’s remuneration included $18.3 million in stock awards, $12 million in option awards, $7.2 million in bonuses, and an additional $2.1 million in other forms of compensation, as disclosed in regulatory filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    For comparison, his income in 2023,  stood at $31.6 million. It’s clear that 2024 brought a significant boost to his financial rewards.

    Guarding the so-called “Mouse House” truly seems to pay dividends, and Iger’s leadership continues to demonstrate why he is one of the most influential executives in the media and entertainment industry.

  • Nippon TV promotes Hiroyuki Fukuda to president & COO

    Nippon TV promotes Hiroyuki Fukuda to president & COO

    MUMBAI: Tokyo-based Nippon TV has promoted Hiroyuki Fukuda to representative director, president &  chief operating officer, effective  1 January 2025. He succeeds Akira Ishizawa, who will transition to represent the newly established Yomiuri Chukyo FS Broadcasting Holdings Corp.

    Fukuda, who joined Nippon TV in 1985, has held various key positions in both sales and programming divisions, including divisional president of production &  chief content officer. Most recently, he has been leading content strategy and corporate initiatives, guiding the company to maintain a leading position in viewer ratings.

    In his new role, Fukuda aims to expand Nippon TV’s “content-centric strategy,” focusing on reducing dependency on broadcast revenue while enhancing digital and advertising capabilities. He highlighted the importance of adapting to industry changes and leveraging technology, including AI, to streamline content production.

    Fukuda is also known for his strong leadership and rapport within the industry, as well as his commitment to community outreach. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasised the necessity of advancing toward new goals in the evolving media landscape.

    The company anticipates significant progress under Fukuda’s leadership as it adapts to the challenges ahead.

  • India TV connects viewers to Maha Kumbh through 24-hour CTV channel

    India TV connects viewers to Maha Kumbh through 24-hour CTV channel

    MUMBAI: With all the glare of the spotlight on the Maha Kumbh  Mela in Prayagraj, can anyone be left behind? Obviously not. And especially, Rajat Sharma’s India TV.

    The Hindi news channel which has been driving into connected TV channels has launched a of a 24×7 pop-up channel dedicated to the Maha Kumbh 2025 so that viewers  can stay connected to the grandeur, rituals, and cultural essence of the world’s largest spiritual gathering.

    The exclusive channel will feature over 1,000 hours of immersive content, offering a 360-degree experience of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Viewers can expect stunning visuals, in-depth reporting, and comprehensive coverage of rituals, cultural activities, and the spiritual energy of the event.

    This marks India TV’s third pop-up channel on CTV, following its successful channels for the Olympic Games 2024 and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The move reinforces India TV’s commitment to delivering uninterrupted, engaging, and CTV-first content for its audience.

    India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan said: , “Maha Kumbh 2025 is one of the world’s biggest spiritual and cultural events, and India TV is proud to bring this exclusive viewership experience to our CTV audience. This initiative ensures that every viewer can connect with the rituals, celebrations, and spiritual essence of the Maha Kumbh from the comfort of their homes.”

    India TV’s Maha Kumbh 2025 channel promises to provide a front-row seat to the event, blending expert reporting with rich storytelling, making it an unmissable experience for CTV viewers.

  • Vikas Khanna appointed cluster head emerging markets at Jiostar

    Vikas Khanna appointed cluster head emerging markets at Jiostar

    MUMBAI: Vikas Khanna has been appointed as cluster head for emerging markets at JioStar, bringing over 25 years of experience in media and entertainment. Known for driving business growth and scaling revenue above Rs 250 crore, Khanna has excelled in profit center-management, public policy advocacy, and sales across print, radio, television, and live events.
    Previously, Khanna led critical clusters at Viacom18, including Colors Marathi and Colors Gujarati, achieving significant revenue growth. He was in the driver’s seat doing sales for the kids’ cluster for five years, first only for the north and  east, and then on a national level.  His assignment with Viacom18 kept him occupied for 17 years in all. His strategic focus on analytics, collaboration, and team leadership has consistently delivered strong results. 

    Khanna’s expertise also includes launching branded content solutions, fostering government partnerships, and spearheading innovative revenue streams in the media industry. A graduate of Delhi University, with further qualifications from the Indian School of Business and Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan,  he has now moved to Mumbai from Gurugram.