Ashish Sehgal makes a timely move as Times Network CEO from early next month

MUMBAI: Ashish Sehgal is coming home to Times Group. The media industry heavyweight will take charge as chief executive officer of Times Network next month, ending a turbulent year and a half that saw two leadership exits and mounting operational drift.

Sehgal, who left Zee Entertainment Enterprises in October after a successful run as chief growth officer for broadcast and digital, will also serve as chief growth officer for business, sports and entertainment verticals within Vineet Jain’s portfolio. His arrival is expected to bring much-needed stability to a network that has been rudderless since the departure of long-serving chief executive M. K. Anand in July 2024.

The leadership vacuum deepened in August when chief operating officer Varun Kohli stepped down after just 13 months. Rohit Gopakumar, who juggles responsibilities across Worldwide Media and the entertainment and digital divisions, has been holding the fort since. Sehgal’s appointment will allow him to return to his core mandate.

Industry insiders see the move as a signal that Times Network is ready to stop the bleeding and start building again. Sehgal brings a reputation for sharp strategy and muscular execution. At Zeel, he drove performance across television and Zee5, steered the ILT20 Cricket League as business head, and delivered robust top-line growth as chief operating officer of Zee Unimedia between 2015 and 2020—widely regarded as one of the company’s strongest phases.

Before Zee, Sehgal cut his teeth at Star India, where he ran national sales for Star Gold after leading its northern operations. His career began at Univista TV and Times FM.

Reached for comment, Sehgal was cryptic. “No comment. I’m off on a holiday and will be spending time with my family.” Sources within Times Network, however, confirmed the appointment.

The network has been holding its breath. Now it can exhale.

(Updated 12 noon)