Category: People

  • AP Govt. signs up with Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 to promote tourism

    AP Govt. signs up with Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 to promote tourism

    MUMBAI: In a first of its kind initiative, media conglomerate Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 has partnered with the government of Arunachal Pradesh to provide strategic consultation services to promote the tourism in the state. While BE Viacom18 had handled the strategic marketing and communication drive for Vivo when the Chinese handset brand marked its India debut, this deal with the Arunachal Pradesh government marks the company’s maiden foray into the PPP arena with a state government.

    Commenting on the partnership, Saugato Bhowmik, Business Head, Consumer Products and Integrated Network Solutions, Viacom 18, said, “We are ecstatic to have inked a deal to boost the state tourism of Arunachal Pradesh. Viacom18 has entered a PPP Model with the state government, wherein we will conceptualize and create the best possible plan of action to make Arunachal Pradesh a ‘Must Experience’ location. This unique association in the Indian Media & Entertainment sector will see Viacom18 tap into the huge potential of government Non DAVP partnerships and leverage the group’s domestic and international media platforms. ”

    BE Viacom18 will work closely with the state government to educate people about the unique highlights and various attractions of Arunachal Pradesh. In order to leverage the state tourism, BE Viacom18 will release a special Audio-visual brand film for Arunachal Pradesh tourism that will be reached out to audiences through the network’s broadcast channels. The promotions will also comprise media buys by BE Viacom18 as well as facilitating production houses from Bollywood and other film fraternities to shoot films, music videos, documentaries, television series, reality shows and also explore Strategic Business IP Partnerships on various cultural events in the state.

    Commenting on the association with Viacom18, Joram Beda, Tourism Secretary, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh said, “Honorable Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu firmly believes that tourism is one of the areas that can generate revenues for the state. The focus for the government this year, thus lies in boosting the tourism sector and making Arunachal Pradesh a ‘Must See, Must Experience’ state. For the success of this vision, we need like-minded partners that see and understand our vision and can help us chart this path. Being one of the biggest media houses check for the right citation again of the country, we are pleased to have Viacom18 on-board to help us reach out to the right audience through a robust campaign.”

    The partnership with Arunachal Pradesh marks yet another initiative by BE Viacom18 after being instrumental in launching global smart phone brand Vivo to Indian markets.

  • AP Govt. signs up with Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 to promote tourism

    AP Govt. signs up with Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 to promote tourism

    MUMBAI: In a first of its kind initiative, media conglomerate Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 has partnered with the government of Arunachal Pradesh to provide strategic consultation services to promote the tourism in the state. While BE Viacom18 had handled the strategic marketing and communication drive for Vivo when the Chinese handset brand marked its India debut, this deal with the Arunachal Pradesh government marks the company’s maiden foray into the PPP arena with a state government.

    Commenting on the partnership, Saugato Bhowmik, Business Head, Consumer Products and Integrated Network Solutions, Viacom 18, said, “We are ecstatic to have inked a deal to boost the state tourism of Arunachal Pradesh. Viacom18 has entered a PPP Model with the state government, wherein we will conceptualize and create the best possible plan of action to make Arunachal Pradesh a ‘Must Experience’ location. This unique association in the Indian Media & Entertainment sector will see Viacom18 tap into the huge potential of government Non DAVP partnerships and leverage the group’s domestic and international media platforms. ”

    BE Viacom18 will work closely with the state government to educate people about the unique highlights and various attractions of Arunachal Pradesh. In order to leverage the state tourism, BE Viacom18 will release a special Audio-visual brand film for Arunachal Pradesh tourism that will be reached out to audiences through the network’s broadcast channels. The promotions will also comprise media buys by BE Viacom18 as well as facilitating production houses from Bollywood and other film fraternities to shoot films, music videos, documentaries, television series, reality shows and also explore Strategic Business IP Partnerships on various cultural events in the state.

    Commenting on the association with Viacom18, Joram Beda, Tourism Secretary, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh said, “Honorable Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu firmly believes that tourism is one of the areas that can generate revenues for the state. The focus for the government this year, thus lies in boosting the tourism sector and making Arunachal Pradesh a ‘Must See, Must Experience’ state. For the success of this vision, we need like-minded partners that see and understand our vision and can help us chart this path. Being one of the biggest media houses check for the right citation again of the country, we are pleased to have Viacom18 on-board to help us reach out to the right audience through a robust campaign.”

    The partnership with Arunachal Pradesh marks yet another initiative by BE Viacom18 after being instrumental in launching global smart phone brand Vivo to Indian markets.

  • Anil Lale returns to Viacom18 as head of business & legal affairs

    Anil Lale returns to Viacom18 as head of business & legal affairs

    MUMBAI: It can be termed as return of the prodigal. Anil Lale takes charge at Viacom18 as senior vice-president and head of business & legal affairs this September. He will report to group general counsel Sujeet Jain.

    This is Lale’s second stint with Viacom18 where he is returning to head the business legal function across its various verticals.

    “Apart from litigations, I will oversee the group’s overall business and legal proceedings that include contract negotiations as well,” Lale told Indiantelevision, confirming his appointment at Viacom18.

    His previous stint as group general counsel at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) saw him setting up a new and vibrant legal team and streamlining the legal functions. Within a span of two years, the legal team at Zee was recognised as the best in-house bunch of lawyers in media by Legal Era that also heaped recognition and awarded it for so.

    Lale had left Zee mid-July this year, as reported by indiantelevision.com.

    This would be a homecoming of sorts for Lale who had worked at Viacom18 from 2009 to 2014.

    Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd. is one of India’s fastest growing entertainment networks and a house of brands that offers multi-platform, multi-generational and multicultural brand experiences. A joint venture of Viacom Inc and the Network18 Group (controlled by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd via subsidiaries), Viacom18 businesses connects with people on-air, online, on ground, in shop and through its cinema.

  • Anil Lale returns to Viacom18 as head of business & legal affairs

    Anil Lale returns to Viacom18 as head of business & legal affairs

    MUMBAI: It can be termed as return of the prodigal. Anil Lale takes charge at Viacom18 as senior vice-president and head of business & legal affairs this September. He will report to group general counsel Sujeet Jain.

    This is Lale’s second stint with Viacom18 where he is returning to head the business legal function across its various verticals.

    “Apart from litigations, I will oversee the group’s overall business and legal proceedings that include contract negotiations as well,” Lale told Indiantelevision, confirming his appointment at Viacom18.

    His previous stint as group general counsel at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) saw him setting up a new and vibrant legal team and streamlining the legal functions. Within a span of two years, the legal team at Zee was recognised as the best in-house bunch of lawyers in media by Legal Era that also heaped recognition and awarded it for so.

    Lale had left Zee mid-July this year, as reported by indiantelevision.com.

    This would be a homecoming of sorts for Lale who had worked at Viacom18 from 2009 to 2014.

    Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd. is one of India’s fastest growing entertainment networks and a house of brands that offers multi-platform, multi-generational and multicultural brand experiences. A joint venture of Viacom Inc and the Network18 Group (controlled by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd via subsidiaries), Viacom18 businesses connects with people on-air, online, on ground, in shop and through its cinema.

  • Endemol Shine India’s Abhishek Rege to head films as well

    Endemol Shine India’s Abhishek Rege to head films as well

    MUMBAI: Endemol Shine India has elevated Abhishek Rege as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Television & Films. Rege currently leads the television business of the company as COO for Television. One of the leading and most valuable content production companies in India across television, film and digital content, Endemol Shine India is currently the premier content provider in the Sub-Continent, producing over 800 hours of programming annually for the biggest broadcasters across mainstream & regional. The company has also recently forayed into the movie making business and has co-produced films like Brothers, Traffic and Te3n. In his new role, Abhishek will be responsible to nurture and further grow the company’s film business in India, in addition to overlooking Endemol Shine India’s robust Television Business. Abhishek will continue to report into Deepak Dhar, MD and CEO, Endemol Shine India.

    Abhishek has been pivotal in driving growth for the television business at Endemol Shine India by developing franchises of high performing contents/shows, implementing regional diversification and ensuring strategic presence in production across most of the key markets in India. An accomplished professional with an in-depth knowledge in all aspects of the media industry, Abhishek has a proven success record and is proficient in leveraging comprehensive markets and industry knowledge to ensure high momentum business growth, build a high performance team and forecast future business needs. Abhishek is an empowering leader skilled in attracting and retaining industry talent, building positive employee relationships and tailoring management style to accommodate diverse personalities, skill sets and experience levels.

    “Having worked with Abhishek closely for many years, I have great confidence in his understanding and capabilities of the business. Leading such a diverse portfolio in today’s dynamic environment is a mammoth task. Under Abhishek’s able leadership our television business continues to grow and I am confident that he will also evolve our burgeoning film business”, said Deepak Dhar, MD & CEO, Endemol Shine India, about the new appointment.

    “I am delighted to have the opportunity to spearhead the film business for Endemol Shine India. By venturing into films, we have embarked on an ambitious growth path, not just from a business perspective, but also as creative professionals. I look forward to working closely with Deepak to grow the business further.” said Abhishek Rege.

    Prior to Endemol Shine, Abhishek was a Director of Business Operations for Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd, New Jersey, USA and was responsible for its revenues and subscriptions by spearheading strategic, multilingual and local marketing campaigns. Abhishek started his career at Star India where he played a key role in scheduling and acquisition of content for the International beams and for the premium channels for the Tata Sky DTH service in addition to handling key commercial and compliance roles for the STAR channels.

  • Endemol Shine India’s Abhishek Rege to head films as well

    Endemol Shine India’s Abhishek Rege to head films as well

    MUMBAI: Endemol Shine India has elevated Abhishek Rege as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Television & Films. Rege currently leads the television business of the company as COO for Television. One of the leading and most valuable content production companies in India across television, film and digital content, Endemol Shine India is currently the premier content provider in the Sub-Continent, producing over 800 hours of programming annually for the biggest broadcasters across mainstream & regional. The company has also recently forayed into the movie making business and has co-produced films like Brothers, Traffic and Te3n. In his new role, Abhishek will be responsible to nurture and further grow the company’s film business in India, in addition to overlooking Endemol Shine India’s robust Television Business. Abhishek will continue to report into Deepak Dhar, MD and CEO, Endemol Shine India.

    Abhishek has been pivotal in driving growth for the television business at Endemol Shine India by developing franchises of high performing contents/shows, implementing regional diversification and ensuring strategic presence in production across most of the key markets in India. An accomplished professional with an in-depth knowledge in all aspects of the media industry, Abhishek has a proven success record and is proficient in leveraging comprehensive markets and industry knowledge to ensure high momentum business growth, build a high performance team and forecast future business needs. Abhishek is an empowering leader skilled in attracting and retaining industry talent, building positive employee relationships and tailoring management style to accommodate diverse personalities, skill sets and experience levels.

    “Having worked with Abhishek closely for many years, I have great confidence in his understanding and capabilities of the business. Leading such a diverse portfolio in today’s dynamic environment is a mammoth task. Under Abhishek’s able leadership our television business continues to grow and I am confident that he will also evolve our burgeoning film business”, said Deepak Dhar, MD & CEO, Endemol Shine India, about the new appointment.

    “I am delighted to have the opportunity to spearhead the film business for Endemol Shine India. By venturing into films, we have embarked on an ambitious growth path, not just from a business perspective, but also as creative professionals. I look forward to working closely with Deepak to grow the business further.” said Abhishek Rege.

    Prior to Endemol Shine, Abhishek was a Director of Business Operations for Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd, New Jersey, USA and was responsible for its revenues and subscriptions by spearheading strategic, multilingual and local marketing campaigns. Abhishek started his career at Star India where he played a key role in scheduling and acquisition of content for the International beams and for the premium channels for the Tata Sky DTH service in addition to handling key commercial and compliance roles for the STAR channels.

  • R.K.Arora bids adieu to Zee Media

    R.K.Arora bids adieu to Zee Media

    MUMBAI: Executive director and CEO of Zee Media R.K. Arora has stepped down from his role. A source close to the development has confirmed this development to indiantelevision.

    Arora was appointed as an additional director and CEO of the company for a period of three years with effect from May 24, 2016 soon after the chairman of the Essel Group of companies Subhash Chandra resigned from the post of director and non-executive chairman of Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL).

    Arora was responsible for the various news channels under ZMCL that included WION, Zee News, Zee Business, India 24×7, Zee Punjab Haryana Himachal, Zee Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh, Zee 24 Taas, 24 Ghanta, Zee Kalinga News, Zee Purvaiya, and Zee Rajasthan News.

    Before joining ZMCL, Arora was the CEO of News Nation. He earlier was with ITV Network where he managed the overall operations of its seven channels.

    Updates on Arora’s successor is still awaited.

    Meanwhile, the whole Essel/Zee group is undergoing a restructuring. The group recently appointed a new chief executive for Zee Entertainment’s domestic broadcast business in Punit Misra, while Amit Goenka continues to be the CEO-International for ZEEL. Zee’s parent Essel has formed a new entity, Essel Business Excellence, which will take care of many of the common responsibilities of the group companies.Another business unit, Zee Unimedia, will not only look after ad sales of Zee’s digital platforms but also its TV channels, while scouting around for outside work too in the long run, if media reports are to be believed.

  • R.K.Arora bids adieu to Zee Media

    R.K.Arora bids adieu to Zee Media

    MUMBAI: Executive director and CEO of Zee Media R.K. Arora has stepped down from his role. A source close to the development has confirmed this development to indiantelevision.

    Arora was appointed as an additional director and CEO of the company for a period of three years with effect from May 24, 2016 soon after the chairman of the Essel Group of companies Subhash Chandra resigned from the post of director and non-executive chairman of Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL).

    Arora was responsible for the various news channels under ZMCL that included WION, Zee News, Zee Business, India 24×7, Zee Punjab Haryana Himachal, Zee Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh, Zee 24 Taas, 24 Ghanta, Zee Kalinga News, Zee Purvaiya, and Zee Rajasthan News.

    Before joining ZMCL, Arora was the CEO of News Nation. He earlier was with ITV Network where he managed the overall operations of its seven channels.

    Updates on Arora’s successor is still awaited.

    Meanwhile, the whole Essel/Zee group is undergoing a restructuring. The group recently appointed a new chief executive for Zee Entertainment’s domestic broadcast business in Punit Misra, while Amit Goenka continues to be the CEO-International for ZEEL. Zee’s parent Essel has formed a new entity, Essel Business Excellence, which will take care of many of the common responsibilities of the group companies.Another business unit, Zee Unimedia, will not only look after ad sales of Zee’s digital platforms but also its TV channels, while scouting around for outside work too in the long run, if media reports are to be believed.

  • Zeel hires Unilever’s Punit Misra to head domestic broadcast business

    Zeel hires Unilever’s Punit Misra to head domestic broadcast business

    MUMBAI: The Essel group owned Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has filled the missing peg on its leadership roster: the CEO of its domestic broadcast business.

    Come 1 October 2016, former Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) senior executive and careerist Punit Misra will be stepping into those shoes at India’s leading media and entertainment major and will be directly reporting to ZEEL MD and CEO Punit Goenka.

    In recent times, ZEEL has been strengthening its senior management team to help it achieve its ambitious targets.

    Last year, it brought in family member and Punit’s younger brother and technopreneur Amit Goenka to head its international broadcast business.

    Earlier this year, it spun off its broadcast network sales into another company called Zee Unimedia which is headed by COO Ashish Sehgal.

    Misra, the new senior joinee, has had a long association with HUL and was last serving as as executive director & vice president – customer development. His responsibilities included heading sales. He joined HUL as a management trainee in 1996.

    Since then, he has worked in leadership roles across customer development, brand building, brand development and general management within HUL, as well as in the global customer development team of Unilever.

    He was also the member of the management Committee at HUL. As head of sales of the largest FMCG company in India, he was responsible for the performance of HUL sales team – driving delivery of profitable and competitive top line growth for the organization.

    Misra is an Electrical Engineering graduate from Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (formerly University of Roorkee) and has a PGDBM in Finance and Marketing from XLRI, Jamshedpur.

  • Zeel hires Unilever’s Punit Misra to head domestic broadcast business

    Zeel hires Unilever’s Punit Misra to head domestic broadcast business

    MUMBAI: The Essel group owned Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has filled the missing peg on its leadership roster: the CEO of its domestic broadcast business.

    Come 1 October 2016, former Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) senior executive and careerist Punit Misra will be stepping into those shoes at India’s leading media and entertainment major and will be directly reporting to ZEEL MD and CEO Punit Goenka.

    In recent times, ZEEL has been strengthening its senior management team to help it achieve its ambitious targets.

    Last year, it brought in family member and Punit’s younger brother and technopreneur Amit Goenka to head its international broadcast business.

    Earlier this year, it spun off its broadcast network sales into another company called Zee Unimedia which is headed by COO Ashish Sehgal.

    Misra, the new senior joinee, has had a long association with HUL and was last serving as as executive director & vice president – customer development. His responsibilities included heading sales. He joined HUL as a management trainee in 1996.

    Since then, he has worked in leadership roles across customer development, brand building, brand development and general management within HUL, as well as in the global customer development team of Unilever.

    He was also the member of the management Committee at HUL. As head of sales of the largest FMCG company in India, he was responsible for the performance of HUL sales team – driving delivery of profitable and competitive top line growth for the organization.

    Misra is an Electrical Engineering graduate from Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (formerly University of Roorkee) and has a PGDBM in Finance and Marketing from XLRI, Jamshedpur.