ITV

Category: People

  • Zee5 expands Manish Kalra’s role to CBO, global

    Zee5 expands Manish Kalra’s role to CBO, global

    Mumbai: Zee5 has announced the expansion of Manish Kalra’s role, extending his responsibilities to oversee Zee5’s business across global markets. In his new capacity, Kalra will spearhead the strategic growth of Zee5’s global footprint, alongside India, focusing on international audience engagement, partnerships, and market expansion.

    This leadership expansion aligns with Zee5’s vision of strengthening its position in a dynamic digital landscape by providing high-quality, relevant content to a diverse global audience. In his new role, Manish will focus on broadening the platform’s reach, enhancing user experiences, and boosting engagement. By utilizing data-driven insights, he aims to optimize content relevance, advance brand and platform metrics, and bolster both subscription and ad-based video-on-demand segments.

    With more than 20 years of experience in the online business and marketing sectors, Manish has held key leadership roles across prominent organizations. Before joining Zee5 in 2020, he spent the last decade in roles such as chief marketing officer, chief business officer, and CEO at companies like Amazon, MakeMyTrip, HomeShop18, Dell, and Craftsvilla. Manish holds a master’s in business administration from XLRI, Jamshedpur, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh.

    This expansion of Kalra’s role reflects Zee5’s commitment to meeting the growing global demand for high-quality, culturally relevant content.

  • Tech Mahindra ropes in Sumit Kumar Popli as TME head

    Tech Mahindra ropes in Sumit Kumar Popli as TME head

    MUMBAI: There’s a new leader at the top of the technology, media & entertainment (TME) vertical in Tech Mahindra. The global technology solutions and digital solutions firm has appointed Sumit Kumar Popli as the president and strategic business unit head for TME from 19 October. He will be based in the Bay area, according to his Linkedin profile.

    With over a score and five years of global experience in driving enterepreneurial success and transforming large businesses across various industries, including TMT, retail & CPG, life sciences & healthcare, travel & transportation, and manufacturing, his charter at Tech Mahindra  includes fostering partnerships and leveraging its service offerings to deliver cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of clients in the TME business.

    Prior to his latest elevation, Popli spent over 22 years at TCS and served as the vice-president and global head of the hardware & consumer technology industry (computer platforms) where he played a pivotal role in the exponential growth of the business unit. In 2022,  Sumit became a managing director at Deloitte in the TMT Industry, where he dedicated over two years to expanding its operate and technology services offerings within the TMT and private equity industry.

    Tech Mahindra has been in pursuit of developing and providing AI solutions to the media industry globally.  The company’s digital solutions for the sector includes  include performance marketing, campaign analytics, SEO, email marketing, content management, and creative services. Its video engineering services span the entire content supply chain from planning and pre-production through to distribution and monetisation across platforms like OTT, satellite, cable, and terrestrial, including ATSC 3.0 and IPTV.  TechMahindra’s cloud gaming platform allows users to play games across all devices –  mobile, desktop, consoles, STBs and smart TVs. This is a strategic solution for OTT,  payTV and telecom operators managing subscriber churn and low engagement.
     

  • Subhash Ghai chronicles his legacy in “Karma’s Child”

    Subhash Ghai chronicles his legacy in “Karma’s Child”

    Mumbai: Subhash Ghai, renowned as Indian cinema’s ultimate showman, invites readers to experience his cinematic brilliance with the release of “Karma’s Child: The Story of Indian Cinema’s Ultimate Showman,” co-authored with Suveen Sinha and published by HarperCollins. The memoir captures the iconic director’s remarkable journey, from shaping Bollywood’s landscape with his blockbuster films to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers through his institute, Whistling Woods International.  

    Ghai’s career is marked by his mastery in crafting films that blend grandeur, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable music, transforming Bollywood from the late 1970s to the 1990s. Out of the fifteen films he directed during this era, eleven—including iconic hits like Kalicharan, Vidhaata, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Saudagar, Khal Nayak, and Taal—became massive blockbusters, solidifying his legacy in Hindi cinema.  

    The memoir also chronicles Ghai’s pioneering spirit, from revitalising theatres during the peak of video piracy to launching film music on audio CDs, and expanding the reach of Hindi films to global markets. His ability to direct multi-starrer films and introduce new talent who rose to stardom reflects his visionary eye for innovation in cinema.  

    Now, as the founder of Whistling Woods International, Ghai’s influence extends beyond filmmaking. His institute stands as a beacon of film and creative arts education, shaping storytellers and visionaries for the future.  

    Reflecting on his memoir, Ghai shares, “Countless stars are born in our film industry and just as many fade away. What you hold in your hands is the story of how a young man came from nowhere, faced the challenges before him, and carved his own path. This book is the story of the Hindi film industry as it unfolded before my eyes from the 1960s till today.”  

     

  • Media mogul Sumner Redstone passes away at 97

    Media mogul Sumner Redstone passes away at 97

    Mumbai: Sumner Redstone, the influential US media mogul who owned CBS and Viacom, passed away at the age of 97, as confirmed by his family on Tuesday. Redstone had been a central figure in the entertainment industry for decades, serving as chairman of the board of directors for both CBS and Viacom until stepping down in 2016 due to declining health. His resignation followed internal family disputes over the companies’ control, with his family maintaining a majority stake.

    In late 2019, CBS and Viacom were merged into one entity, managing some of the most well-known television networks and film studios in the world, including CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Showtime, and Paramount Pictures. This consolidation placed the company in the same league as other major U.S. media corporations such as Disney, Time Warner, and 21st Century Fox.

    Born Sumner Murray Rothstein in Boston in 1923, Redstone changed his surname in 1940 to Redstone. He graduated from Harvard University and served in U.S. military intelligence during World War II. In 1954, he joined his father’s business, which he later transformed into National Amusements, one of the largest cinema operators in the United States.

    Redstone survived a near-fatal fire in 1979 and went on to play a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He fought fiercely to gain control of Paramount Pictures and later took over Viacom, which owned MTV and CBS. Viacom and CBS merged in 2000 but split again in 2006.

    Redstone’s remarkable career left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and his legacy continues through the companies he built and reshaped.Sumner Redstone

  • Zee Entertainment appoints Vikram Lad as business head of Hamara Parivar

    Zee Entertainment appoints Vikram Lad as business head of Hamara Parivar

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment has announced the appointment of Vikram Lad as the new business head of its channel, Hamara Parivar. In this strategic role, Lad will lead various initiatives, including business development efforts aimed at enhancing the channel’s performance.

    Lad’s responsibilities will encompass shaping the content strategy, engaging with audience feedback, and managing the channel’s profit and loss (P&L). Additionally, he will focus on strategic marketing and building partnerships to drive growth.

    Bringing a rich background in the media industry, Vikram Lad co-founded Kintree, a social application designed for family tree building, where he served as COO. In this position, he was instrumental in developing the company’s strategic vision and overseeing operations, including managing investor relations and expanding the app’s reach across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the MENA region.

    Before his tenure at Kintree, Lad held significant positions in various media organizations. He was Chief of Business Development at Chingari, a short video platform, in 2019. Earlier, he served as the Business Head for Zee Entertainment in Thailand from 2017 to 2019. His extensive career also includes roles at prominent brands such as Star Sports, Hotstar, Rediff.com, DNA, RBNL and Bharti Airtel.

  • Disney Star and Viacom18 merger: Major leadership shakeup unfolds

    Disney Star and Viacom18 merger: Major leadership shakeup unfolds

    Mumbai: The entertainment landscape is buzzing with news of a seismic shift as Disney Star, country manager and president, K. Madhavan steps down after a remarkable 15-year tenure. This pivotal change comes in the wake of the impending merger between Disney Star and Viacom18, signalling a new era for the companies involved. The industry watches closely as this merger reshapes leadership dynamics and strategic directions.

    Madhavan’s departure is not just a personal milestone; it marks a significant transition for Disney Star, which has been a powerhouse in the Indian media sector. His leadership has been instrumental in steering the company through various challenges, including changing viewer preferences and fierce competition in the streaming space.

    Disney+ Hotstar head, Sajith Sivanandan, another key player at Disney Star, also announced his exit, further emphasising the magnitude of this restructuring. Both executives have played crucial roles in defining the company’s vision and operational strategies. Their resignations raise questions about the future leadership structure as the merger progresses.

  • Sony SAB stars share their festive plans for Dhanteras 2024

    Sony SAB stars share their festive plans for Dhanteras 2024

    Mumbai: As Dhanteras approaches, signalling the start of Diwali celebrations, Sony SAB’s leading actors reveal their preparations for this auspicious occasion. Traditionally marked by the purchase of new items during the favourable muhurat, Dhanteras is a time for spiritual victory and prosperity. Here’s how these beloved stars plan to celebrate this year:

    Prachi Bansal, who portrays Sita in Shrimad Ramayan, shares, “On Dhanteras, my mom usually takes care of everything that needs to be bought. But since I’ve been living alone for some time now, I make sure to do the pooja. Whenever I have a break from shooting, I try to buy something for my mom and dad. I have never really bought anything for myself, and even this year, if I find the time, I would definitely like to buy new utensils and gold for my mom.”

    Garima Parihar, who plays Deepti in Pushpa Impossible, states, “Every Dhanteras, we usually welcome prosperity by buying gold, but this year, I’ve decided to start my Diwali celebrations with something different and exciting—a new car! It’s a fresh beginning for the festive season, and I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing ride ahead, both literally and figuratively. Here’s to embracing new traditions and looking forward to all the joy and celebrations Diwali brings!”

    Mansi Sharma, who stars as Shilpa Khanna in Badall Pe Paon Hai, notes, “On this Dhanteras, I believe it’s important to buy a silver plate for the pooja, as it brings purity and good luck. Silver has a special place in our traditions, and using it in the rituals is believed to invite blessings. This year, I’m excited to add something unique to my collection, something special that will not only be part of the celebrations but also remind me of the joy and positivity of this festive season.”

    Shefali Rana, who plays Poonam Khanna in Badall Pe Paon Hai, emphasises, “Dhanteras marks the beginning of festivities as we welcome prosperity and happiness into our homes. The preparations, like creating vibrant rangolis to adorn the entrance, lighting diyas that bring warmth and light, and decorating the home with colourful torans, are filled with excitement and anticipation. We also indulge in purchasing new clothes and jewellery, especially precious gold, which is believed to attract good fortune. Every small act, from cleaning the house to arranging for the pooja, carries a deep sense of joy and positivity, setting the tone for the festive season ahead.”

  • Charuta Saoji joins Viacom18 as Colors marketing head, leaving L’Oréal

    Charuta Saoji joins Viacom18 as Colors marketing head, leaving L’Oréal

    Mumbai: In a notable move within the marketing and media landscape, Charuta Ambardekar Saoji has joined Viacom18 as the vice president and head of marketing for Colors, the network’s flagship entertainment channel. Saoji’s transition from L’Oréal, where she served as marketing director, marks a strategic shift in her career towards the dynamic world of television.

    Saoji brings with her a wealth of experience in brand management, having successfully spearheaded campaigns for several high-profile brands at L’Oréal. Her appointment at Viacom18 comes as Colors continues to seek innovative ways to engage audiences and strengthen its market position in the highly competitive television space.

    Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Saoji stated, “I am thrilled to join the Viacom18 family and look forward to shaping the future of Colors’ brand strategy. It’s an exciting time for the channel as we explore fresh approaches to content and audience engagement.”

    This move comes at a crucial time for Viacom18, as the company aims to further consolidate its leadership position in the entertainment industry. Saoji’s expertise in consumer insights and her ability to craft compelling marketing narratives are expected to play a pivotal role in driving Colors’ growth trajectory. The channel, known for its wide range of popular shows, stands to benefit from her leadership in enhancing brand communication and expanding its reach across diverse audience segments.

    Prior to this, Saoji made significant strides at L’Oréal, where she led campaigns that bolstered the brand’s presence in the Indian market. Her experience in navigating the complexities of consumer behavior and brand loyalty will be instrumental in crafting Colors’ future marketing strategies.

    Industry insiders view Saoji’s appointment as a strategic hire that will add considerable depth to Viacom18’s leadership team. With her track record of executing successful marketing strategies, she is well-positioned to elevate the brand’s market presence.

    “Charuta’s appointment reflects our commitment to bringing on board marketing leaders who can drive brand growth through innovation and consumer focus,” said a Viacom18 spokesperson. “Her ability to understand consumer trends and create impactful brand stories aligns perfectly with our vision for Colors.”

  • Archana Anand bids farewell to ZEE5 after a decade of success

    Archana Anand bids farewell to ZEE5 after a decade of success

    MUMBAI: Zee5 Global chief business officer Archana Anand has decided to move on after nearly a decade of significant contributions to the company. During her tenure, she was instrumental in launching ZEE5 in India and expanding it internationally, helping to establish it as the largest platform for South Asian entertainment worldwide.

    Reflecting on her journey, Archana Anand stated, “After an incredible decade at Zee filled with many memorable milestones including launching Zee5 in India and taking it to leadership in the international markets, it’s time to move on! It’s been such a fun ride and alongside some of the brightest and smartest people and across the globe. As I sign off, I’d like to thank the management, our wonderful partners, and my amazing teams over the years who always stepped up with incredible spirit and heart. It has been an absolute honour to work alongside them as we built out Zee5 into the global brand it is today. Zee5 will always hold a very special place in my heart, and I sign off prouder and happier than I could possibly convey. For now, onto some long pending and fun adventures as I relocate and recalibrate!”

    As she moves on, Anand leaves behind a legacy of innovation and growth that has transformed Zee5 into a global entertainment powerhouse.

  • Zeel reappoints Punit Goenka as MD & CEO, eyes future growth

    Zeel reappoints Punit Goenka as MD & CEO, eyes future growth

    MUMBAI: Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.’ Embracing this ethos, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel) reappointed Punit Goenka as MD & chief executive officer, reaffirming its commitment to leadership stability and growth. 

    With more than 25 years in the media industry, Goenka is set to lead the company for another five years, from 1 January 2025, to 31 December 2029, focusing on content quality and profitability. The board of directors’ approval on 18 October 2024, marks a strategic move to ensure continuity and enhance shareholder value.

    The announcement comes amidst Zeel’s ongoing transformation, with Goenka leading initiatives aimed at optimising operations and driving content excellence. Under his stewardship, the company achieved significant growth, expanding its footprint to over 1.3 billion viewers across 190+ countries. Zeel has become a diversified entertainment powerhouse, with strong positions in broadcasting, digital streaming, films, and music.

    “We are confident that Punit’s vision and leadership will continue to drive Zee forward,” stated a company spokesperson. “His ability to identify growth opportunities and strengthen Zee’s market presence has been instrumental in our success.”

    Goenka’s reappointment comes as ZeeL pursues a strategic growth plan focusing on frugality, optimisation, and content quality. In recent years, the company streamlined its operations into four main segments: broadcast, digital, movies, and music. By realigning its organisational structure, Goenka aims to boost productivity, promote cross-functional collaboration, and enhance profitability.

    His emphasis on efficiency extends to resource utilisation, with recent measures leading to a significant improvement in the company’s EBITDA margins. In the first half of FY25, Zeel, reported a year-over-year increase of 330 basis points in its EBITDA margin, highlighting the impact of effective cost management and strategic content investments.

    Goenka’s leadership has also guided the company through multiple industry accolades, including the broadcaster of the year award and recognition for treasury transformation initiatives. He has been a proactive figure in the entertainment ecosystem, contributing to regulatory and industry bodies such as the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) and the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC).

    Looking ahead, Goenka plans to deepen Zeel’s content creation capabilities, focusing on delivering top-tier entertainment that resonates with diverse audiences. 

    “We are committed to creating stories that not only entertain but also drive positive societal change,” he said. Goenka’s strategy also includes furthering the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts, which have recently centred on sustainable development and social impact projects.

    Zeel has made strides in mapping its ESG footprint, implementing programs for women empowerment, heritage preservation, and rural development. Under Goenka’s guidance, the company aims to reduce its environmental impact while enhancing governance practices through stakeholder collaboration.