ITV

Category: People

  • SAB realigns Dhanda’s position as TV Vision CEO

    SAB realigns Dhanda’s position as TV Vision CEO

    MUMBAI: Sri Adhikari Brothers (SAB group) has realigned the position of Manav Dhanda as the CEO of company’s broadcasting business arm — TV Vision Ltd. 

    The development came after the recent board meeting of SAB group held on the 22 August, 2017 where it was noted, realignment of office of Dhanda as the CEO w.e.f from 31 August 2017, from Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network Limited (SABTN) to its core business arm TV Vision Ltd.

    Dhanda, since his appointment, has managed to create and grow an umbrella brand SAB group and has actively been overseeing its subsidiaries and its businesses in the capacity as the company’s CEO. 

    In the larger interest of its stakeholders, he has now been entrusted with a greater responsibility to build and strengthen the core business — TV Vision.

    In addition to the above development, the board also appointed him as the additional non-executive director of SAB events and Governance Now Media Ltd, under the umbrella brand of SAB group.

    Simultaneously, Rakesh G. Jain has been appointed as the additional (Independent) director of SABTN.

    SAB group vice chairman and managing director Markand Adhikari stated, “Manav has helped create a brand SAB group and contributed enormously to its growth. With our vision to expand and strengthen our broadcasting arm, we would want him to lead the broadcast business of the group i.e. TV Vision. This move has been attributed to formalise processes.”

    Also Read:

    Large Networks lead regional channels, programme ratings in weeks 1 to 8 of 2017

    SAB’s Happii-Fi to target multiple genres, gets 3m views online

  • Carnival Cinemas appoints Mohan Umrotkar as CEO

    Carnival Cinemas appoints Mohan Umrotkar as CEO

    MUMBAI: Carnival Cinemas, spearheaded by Dr. Shrikant Bhasi, has appointed Mohan Umrotkar as its chief executive officer (CEO). He takes over from P. V. Sunil who has been elevated as the managing director (MD).

    Umrotkar’s mandate will be to oversee the completion of its corporate vision of 1,000 screens and also ensuring that each business division of the company achieve their business goal.

    Umrotkar, a chartered accountant, had served as the chief financial officer of Reliance MediaWorks, a part of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, where he was involved in the exhibition business (subsequently acquired by Carnival) on cost rationalisation and growth efforts which led to major operational and financial improvements in business.

    Umrotkar has also had a stint with Deloitte in the assurance practice, working on some of India’s biggest business houses.

    Having a foundation of over 18 years in operational finance, contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, treasury, fund raising initiatives, financial planning, taxation, risk mitigation and designing turnaround strategies, Umrotkar’s financial and business acumen channels the business focus, on the implementation of a dynamic business model to maximize ROI and profitability.

    Bhasi said, “Mohan (Umrotkar) is an accomplished thought leader and is known to leverage his entrepreneurial acumen to overcome complex business challenges and deliver high impact thus translating corporate vision with ease.”

    Umrotkar, a foodie, is passionate about playing and watching cricket and loves travelling and watching movies.

  • FremantleMedia appoints Aradhana Bhola as India MD

    FremantleMedia appoints Aradhana Bhola as India MD

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has announced the appointment of Aradhana Bhola to the role of the managing director at FremantleMedia India.

    Based in Mumbai, Aradhana will head up the company’s Indian business, reporting in to Ian Hogg, FremantleMedia’s Regional Chief Executive Officer, Australia & Asia Pacific. As Managing Director, Aradhana will be responsible for managing all development and production operations in India and leveraging relationships with broadcast and digital partners throughout the country. The appointment will be effective immediately.

    Announcing the appointment, Ian Hogg, said: “Aradhana is a class act, she’s creative, energetic and driven. Aradhana’s experience and understanding of the Indian market means she is the ideal candidate to build on the great successes FremantleMedia has already enjoyed in the region while unlocking the many exciting creative and commercial opportunities it presents.”

    On her appointment, Aradhana Bhola said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to spearhead the India operations at FremantleMedia. This challenge is very exciting, given the complexity and diversity of the Indian content market. In my new role, I hope to push the team’s creative and innovative vision to new heights.”

    Aradhana joined FremantleMedia India in 2012 as Creative Director and was promoted to Head of Content in 2015. During her time with the company she has overseen production on titles including India’s Got Talent (Colors), Indian Idol (Sony), Covershot (National Geographic Channel), Angels of Rock (MTV) and Amra Na Ora (Star Jalsha). Prior to joining the business, Aradhana was VP Programming at Star Plus and Head of Programming at Zoom.

    FremantleMedia India first opened its office in 2009 and has since ranked amongst the leaders in television content in the region. The company has produced tentpole programmes such as Indian Idol and India’s Got Talent, which continue to attract record audiences. The seventh season of Indian Idol premiered to over 9 million viewers, doubling Sony TV’s primetime average. The most recent series of India’s Got Talent peaked at 9.7 million viewers, delivered an audience 55% higher than Color’s primetime average and reached an impressive 230 million viewers across the season.

    In 2016, FremantleMedia India produced its first web series, Confessions – It’s Complicated, which launched exclusively on Facebook. The online series amassed an incredible 40 million hits across the series and 11.5 million views. There were also 70,000 innovative live audience interactions with the cast. A second season is now in development.

  • Studio Canal’s Neylon joins FremantleMedia as EVP

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International has appointed Katrina Neylon as the executive vice president – global content.

    Neylon will manage the existing global content team and oversee the acquisition strategy for all scripted and non-scripted programming for FremantleMedia International (FMI) with the aim of generating strong commercial returns for all partners.

    Working creatively with a mix of third party and in-house producers to invest, develop and acquire content, Neylon and the team will continue to source top-quality programming from around the world to build and complement FMI’s current pipeline. Joining the company next month, Neylon will report to the FMI CEO Jens Richter.

    Richter said, “With a standout reputation, in-depth industry knowledge, as well as fantastic producer relationships, Katrina is the ideal executive to lead our global content team. Katrina’s extensive experience of complex deal-making and commercial acumen will be key to continuing our business growth strategy.”

    On her appointment, Neylon said, “FremantleMedia International has an established reputation for high-end quality content and I look forward to working with the team to build upon their ambitious plans of working with the best producer and writer talent in the business.”

    Neylon joins FremantleMedia from Studio Canal where she held the position of EVP of international sales and marketing, and oversaw the global sales strategy for Studio Canal’s extensive TV production slate and drove global and multi-territory deals. Prior to her position at Studio Canal, Neylon was the SVP of sales, EMEA, at Shine International where she managed the EMEA sales team. Neylon has also held sales and management roles at Disney ABC International Television and Twentieth Century Fox International Television.

  • Sony Studios elevates Frost, Parnell & Clodfelter

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) recently announced that Jeff Frost has been named president of Sony Pictures Television Studios, the production side of SPE’s television business. Frost will report to SPE chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.

    Concurrently, Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter have been named co-presidents of Sony Pictures Television Studios, reporting to Frost. Collectively, they will comprise a new “Office of the President” which will oversee all U.S. production and programming for Sony Pictures Television (SPT).

    Parnell and Clodfelter’s oversight will include all creative aspects of the television studio including U.S. Drama and Comedy Development, Reality & Syndication, U.S. Scripted & Current Programming, Talent & Casting, Movies & Miniseries and TriStar Television.

    “Jeff, Chris and Jason are the perfect team to run our U.S. television business,” said Vinciquerra. “Over the last several weeks, I have been able to see first-hand the strong leadership qualities possessed by Jeff, Chris and Jason, the high energy and vitality of everyone in their groups and throughout SPT and the outstanding collaboration that exists between them all. I am confident they will not only grow our robust television business, but also strengthen the integration between SPT and SPE’s other lines of business and with the other Sony Group companies.”

    “I am thrilled to take on this new role at SPT and honored to work with some of the most talented and creative individuals and teams in the business,” said Frost. “I am particularly excited about working with Chris and Jason. The landscape of our business continues to rapidly evolve, and SPT is in an ideal position to take advantage of industry shifts due to our diversity of programming and ability to air across a broad array of broadcast, cable and digital platforms. We have had great success over the past 10 years and I look forward to working with the team to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead. I want to thank Tony for this opportunity.”

    “We are proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last several years and are excited about building on that in this new role,” said Parnell and Clodfelter. “We want to thank Tony for this opportunity and look forward to working with Jeff and the entire SPT team to grow the roster of high-quality programming the industry and audiences have come to expect from SPT.”

    SPT’s International Productions will continue to be led by Wayne Garvie, Chief Creative Officer for SPT International Production, who will report to Vinciquerra.

    As Executive Vice President, U.S. Business Affairs, Frost has played a lead role in SPT’s overall strategy and negotiations with the studio’s broadcast and production partners and talent, and has been central to the studio’s greatest successes over the last 10 years. Frost joined SPT in 2008 from ABC Studios, where he served as senior vice president, business affairs for the studio’s traditional production arm, as well as their digital media group. Frost joined ABC in 1997 as an attorney in the litigation department and, beginning in 1999, held posts in the legal affairs and business affairs departments for the production company, Touchstone Television, through 2003, when he segued into ABC Cable Networks as senior vice president and head of legal affairs. He rejoined Touchstone Television in 2005 as senior vice president, leading the legal department before taking on his role at SPT business affairs.

    Parnell and Clodfelter joined SPT in 2003 and 2006, respectively; both most recently serving as Executive Vice President, U.S. Drama Development and Programming for SPT. Together they have guided the development of scripted programming for drama series, working with writers and producers on projects for broadcast, cable, and streaming outlets. Both have been driving forces behind the studio’s most successful dramas, including Breaking Bad, The Blacklist, Outlander, Bloodline, Masters of Sex, Franklin & Bash, Powers, Helix, Preacher, Justified, The Night Shift, The Get Down, Mad Dogs, Sneaky Pete, Houdini & Doyle, Game of Silence, Unforgettable, Damages and Drop Dead Diva. Prior to joining Sony in 2006, Clodfelter served as director, then vice president of development for Spelling Television, Inc., where he developed the series Wanted and Saving Grace, and as director of development for John Wells Productions.

  • Shruti Anindita Varma appointed BAG Films’ business & creative head

    NEW DELHI: Veteran creative expert Shruti Anindita Varma has joined BAG Films & Media Ltd as the new business and creative head and will be responsible to drive its creative excellence, in-sync with the ongoing transformation of Media and Entertainment industry in Indian market.

    In her capacity Varma will be leading the creative division of BAG Films and Media Ltd.

    Prior to this appointment she has been associated with successful production companies like Applause Entertainment, Endemol India, Miditech and Ideas Box among others.

    Varma said, “It gives me immense pride in taking up the new responsibility at a time when the Media and Entertainment industry is at an inflection point when digitization is poised at transforming entertainment business dynamics and audience engagement. I am truly excited and at the same time committed to formulate new and diverse ideas that will lead to fulfilling the business objectives.”

    BAG Films MD Anurradha Prasad said, “Shruti will add great value to the business given her background and experience which is diverse. In her capacity as Creative and Business head, she will be responsible for driving growth and transforming our business goals into profitability in the market. She started her career as an Intern at BAG & we are happy to have her back.”

  • BCCI elevates Hemang Amin as COO

    MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Hemang Amin as the chief operating officer (COO) of the Vivo Indian Premier League.

    Amin was most recently assistant general manager – finance, commercial and events at BCCI and was recognized for successfully handling the management and operations of world’s premier T20 league – VIVO IPL. He has been with BCCI for the last 7 years.

    Amin will continue to report to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri.

    BCCI acting president CK Khanna said, “ Amin has been instrumental during a pivotal transition period for the IPL. His leadership over the past 7 years has shaped IPL’s strategy, laying a strong foundation for future course, improvements and success.”

    Acting Secretary Amitabh Choudhary said, “Amin’s experience, strong leadership and inclusive management style will further elevate the Indian Premier League and grow engagement among fans around the world.”

    IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla said, “ Hemang Amin is a wonderful executive with an incredible breadth of experience and relationships across a variety of markets and our stakeholders. Having worked with him firsthand, I know he will be a fine leader for the IPL and will bring unmatched innovation, passion, and vision to the role.”

  • Balaji CEO Sameer Nair’s role changes from exec to advisory capacity

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms Group CEO Sameer Nair is stepping down from an executive capacity on the successful completion of his three-year term, He would relinquish his executive role w.e.f. 15 July, 2017, and return to an advisory capacity. Nair was formerly in an advisory role with the company.

    Said Sameer Nair: “It’s been an amazing experience working with Ekta, Shobhaji and all my other wonderful colleagues at Balaji. The company is in great shape – the TV business is doing well; we’ll soon add the DD shows to the mix in which the company retains IP. We now have in place a very measured approach to the movie business; and most recently we had a very successful launch of our global digital business with ALTBalaji. The management teams are in place and the company is well poised for its next phase of growth. On ALTBalaji, the shows have only just begun – the best of Ekta’s creative genius is yet to come. I remain a mentor and guide to the company and a close friend of the family.”

    Said Shobha Kapoor “Sameer is more like family to us; we have a relationship dating back to 2000 when we first worked together on Star Plus. In the past three years the company has made many significant strides most notably in the digital domain and the launch of ALTBalaji. The leadership ranks of Ketan Gupta (COO – TV), Sanjay Dwivedi (Group CFO) and Nachiket Pantvaidya (CEO – ALTBalaji) and their teams continue to do a great job of driving topline growth and bottomline profitability. We wish Sameer the very best in his future endeavours and are happy to have his continued support as an advisor and a friend.”

  • Discovery Communications: Andrew Slabin joins & Jackie Burka promoted

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications Chief Financial Officer Gunnar Wiedenfels has announced a strategic expansion of its global investor relations leadership team. Andrew Slabin will join the company in a newly created role as Executive Vice President, Global Investor Strategy and Jackie Burka has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, effective immediately.

    “As Discovery focuses increasingly on growing its direct-to-consumer and digital businesses and investing in new growth areas and revenue streams, the role of our investor relations team is more important than ever,” said Wiedenfels. “Andrew’s deep understanding of media and technology and strong relationships in the investor community will enhance our position among global investors and help us articulate our ambition to reach viewers on every screen and service around the world.”

    Slabin brings to Discovery more than 20 years of experience as a buy-side and sell-side analyst and portfolio manager specializing in media, entertainment and Internet investments. In his new role, Slabin will focus on developing Discovery’s strategic position and building relationships with the international investor community.

    Slabin joins Discovery from Toms Capital, where he was co-portfolio manager of a public equity portfolio and was responsible for investments in the telecom, media and technology sectors. Prior to Toms Capital, Slabin was an analyst and portfolio manager for Man GLG, covering the media, entertainment and Internet industries, and a director of equity research at Merrill Lynch, covering the media industry. Slabin started his career at John Hancock Mutual Funds and received a BS in finance and business administration from the University of Vermont. Slabin will be based at Discovery’s office in New York.

    Most recently Vice President of Investor Relations, Burka has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President, Investor Relations reporting to Slabin. Burka will continue to play a key role in driving Discovery’s day-to-day engagement and communication with the investor and analyst community as well as quarterly earnings and other financial communications.

    Burka joined Discovery in 2012, after more than a decade at Sanford Bernstein and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where she was a sector specialist covering the media, cable, Internet and telecom industries. Prior to that, Burka worked in high yield investment banking at Merrill Lynch and in corporate private equity at Harvard Private Capital. Jackie has a BA in economics from Princeton University and an MBA, with Beta Gamma Sigma honors, from Columbia Business School.

    “Jackie has done a fantastic job leading Discovery’s investor relations activities and communicating our global growth story to investors. Under the leadership of Andrew and Jackie, our enhanced investor relations team will be optimally positioned for the future,” added Wiedenfels.

    Discovery Communications was assisted in the search process for Slabin by Howard Fischer Associates, International.

  • BARC India hires Rohit Sarma & Kumar Rao

    MUMBAI: BARC India has expanded its leadership team with the addition of two senior resources.

    BARC India has roped in Rohit Sarma as the business head for its TV business and Kumar Rao as the chief of measurement science. Both of them will be based out of BARC India’s Mumbai office.

    “In the last two years, we built the TV measurement business by roping in talent and insights from across the globe. We are now transitioning from a start-up phase to a more process oriented company. Both Rohit and Kumar bring very relevant skills and experience for this phase of our journey, which will help us better meet the needs of the industry,” said BARC India CEO Partho Dasgupta.

    “Excellence can be achieved only when people commit to constantly raising the bar. At BARC India, we are doing that by first raising the bar on talent. I am looking forward to working with them,” added BARC India chief business officer Romil Ramgarhia.

    Having worked with Nielsen, GfK and Gallup Organization, Kumar Rao brings in 17 years of global work experience in the space of research, analytics, statistics and measurement. He will be reporting to Partho Dasgupta.

    “I am happy to be joining BARC India. I hope to be able to bring in my experience in the sector from global markets into India. It is interesting times ahead for the industry and I am glad to be a part of this huge change,” said Rao.

    Sarma has spent over 20 years in the FMCG and Media sectors across India and South Asia with companies like ITC, Diageo, Turner and HT Media. He has managed leading brands as well as run large business operations and will work closely with both Partho and Romil in his new role.

    “What BARC India has been able to achieve for the TV industry in terms of viewership measurement in such a short span of time is truly outstanding. I am very excited with the opportunity to carry this momentum through the next phase of BARC’s journey,” added Sarma.