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Tag: Nikhil Gandhi

  • Nikhil Gandhi moves to TikTok from Times Network

    Nikhil Gandhi moves to TikTok from Times Network

    MUMBAI: TikTok has appointed Nikhil Gandhi as Tiktok India head. In his new role Gandhi will be responsible development and operation of TikTok India. Prior to the new appointment, Gandhi was associated with Times Network as President and COO.

    Gandhi has over 20 years of experience in leadership positions at various media and entertainment companies. He has spent around 10 years working The Walt Disney Company from 2007 to 2017. He began his career as an account manager at Viacom18 in 2004. After one year he moved to Times Group as regional head from 2005 to 2007.

    Prior to The Walt Disney, Gandhi had joined UTV in 2007 as business head, he spent almost 6 years with the company.

  • Nikhil Gandhi quits Times Network as COO & president: reports

    Nikhil Gandhi quits Times Network as COO & president: reports

    MUMBAI: Times Network COO and president Nikhil Gandhi has resigned from his role, as per reports. Gandhi joined Times Network in February 2017 as revenue head and in July 2019 he was promoted as COO and president.

    This was his second stint with the network. He was part of the core team of Zoom during the launch of the channel.

    Prior to Times Network, Gandhi was associated with The Walt Disney Company and his last held position at Disney was vice president. He was also the business head at UTV. Gandhi began his career with Viacom18 in 2004 and moved to Bennett and Coleman and Co Ltd in January 2005.

    Gandhi has around 17 years of experience in media with revenue and business specialisation.

  • Zoom consumers are micro-influencers on their own: Nikhil Gandhi

    Zoom consumers are micro-influencers on their own: Nikhil Gandhi

    MUMBAI: Zoom, the entertainment channel of Times Network recently revamped its identity from just Zoom to Zoom styled by Myntra. The revamped version went live on 19 April 2018 at 9 pm. Now Zoom has a sub brand called Zoom Studio, which will provide content to many OTT players. 

    Currently, the channel has 10 million unique visitors per month and on social media, the channel is followed by 20 million people, according to Times Network president Nikhil Gandhi.

    At Indiantelevision.com’s new video economy event BrandVid powered by Colors, Gandhi said, "The most important thing that has come out of this deal is how we trade around with content that works well for them as well as us.” From Myntra’s strategic point of view to build and influence the whole fashion space, we were lucky to have the timings so well matched that it jelled into their own strategy. The association went beyond just plain vanilla branding to largely on the back of content."

    The event was organised by Indiantelevision.com on 30 October 2018 in Mumbai, for brands, agencies, marketers, broadcasters, publishers and producers to understand how to work closely and create short form and long form content which will connect with the audience directly.

    The deal is a monetised partnership that Gandhi is optimistic will travel beyond at least three years. Outfits for the anchors on the channel are provided by Myntra. Zoom aimed to leverage Myntra’s style quotient for a new look and feel, shows, web-series, short formats and exclusive experiences.

    By the end of the year, its new Zoom Live division will be available. “We are working on a very strategic initiative on how we influence our community which is beyond engaging on digital as well as television. We are building on a phenomenon called ‘Escapism’ where we want the consumers to escape from their reality into our world and engage with them with great content.”

    The channel has original content produced by Zoom like Reunion, Ready to Mingle, Imperfect and many more. Myntra and Zoom get the traction on board in equal measure for the shows. Gandhi believes that each of their consumers are micro-influencers on their own.

    “On the other hand we have been able to also take advantage of the things they have, fashion as a category lends organically to the whole of Bollywood. If you go to the Myntra site, we now have a Zoom store on it and we provide a lot of content to them and they engage with their consumers on how they can influence their buying patterns as far as the content is concerned,” he pointed.

    At the time of the revamp, Gandhi mentioned that they are targeting the sweet spot of 15-24-year-olds.

  • zoOm styled by Myntra’s ‘The Reunion’ garners more than 30 million views across platforms

    zoOm styled by Myntra’s ‘The Reunion’ garners more than 30 million views across platforms

    MUMBAI: The Zoom Studios first series, The Reunion on zoOm styled by Myntra has created a record over the course of its one month run. The smash hit finite series has garnered more than 30 million views across platforms, while being greatly adulated by the viewers and Bollywood brigade alike for its fresh approach to storytelling, relatable characters and stylish direction. This simple yet ground-breaking series immediately struck a chord with fans and took over the internet in no time since its launch. The show garnered critical acclaim as well as millions of views for its refreshing content. Reunion is also one of the few series in India to create a first-of-its-kind content innovation, with a special rendition of Arjun Kanungo & Momina Mustehsan’s song ‘Aaya Na Tu’, which received an overwhelming response.

    As a strategic approach, The Reunion was purely marketed on content and the storyline, which successfully resulted in an organic success of the show crossing 30 million views, a remarkable milestone for a new series. The finale episode of Reunion was led by a unique innovation, the rendition of ‘Aaya Na Tu’ that captured the chemistry between Dev and Deva, played by Anuj Sachdeva and Shreya Dhanwanthary. The episode trended on twitter along with conversations on other platforms, where the viewers sentiments and reactions were overwhelming. The finale has been the most successful episode, with many viewers confessing that it was the best series that they have watched.

    Not just fans, even the Bollywood superstar, Salman Khan, posted on Instagram that he loved the trailer which received more than 2 million views. Katrina Kaif and Ali Abbas Zafar, too, took to social media to congratulate Karishma Kohli, on her directorial debut. Starring some of the most popular faces on television including Sapna Pabbi, Anuj Sachdeva, Veer Rajwant Singh and Shreya Dhanwanthary, the story has set a benchmark in content uniqueness and engaging storytelling.

    Speaking on the series success, Times Network, President, Nikhil Gandhi said, “The Reunion, is only the beginning of a spectacular content line-up from the Zoom Studios and we are delighted with the overwhelming response from our viewers. Zoom’s refreshed brand identity reflects real, conversational and multi-lingual entertainment that viewers in India are looking for. Our attempt is to continue to drive conversations that reflect the changing consumption patterns of the youth. We are happy that the new Zoom brings the ‘wow’ factor that engages viewers across platforms”.

    ‘The Reunion’ is about a group of friends from Bourbon High’s class of 2008 who reunite after 10 years at a hill station. Unresolved issues surface and play the party pooper, highlighting the fact that sometimes to look forward, it is important to rewind and see how far you’ve come. Fans of the show have been raving about Aarya’s fashion sense, Gaurav’s killer looks and Dev and Deva’s superb chemistry. A crazy rollercoaster ride, the series brings back nostalgia and memories from one’s days of fun and laughter in school and college. The show successfully captivated viewers with its cinematic-like narrative and climbed the heights of success since its launch.

  • Zoom partners Myntra, expects 40% top line growth in 2018

    Zoom partners Myntra, expects 40% top line growth in 2018

    MUMBAI: Zoom, the entertainment channel from the Times stable, is bridging the gap between the television and online mediums. In order to maximise its reach using three staple diets of Indians- fashion, Bollywood and entertainment-it has partnered online fashion and lifestyle company, Myntra, to form a new revamped identity. Zoom will no longer be called just ‘Zoom’ but rather ‘Zoom styled by Myntra’.

    The “reimaged” (as the company prefers to call it) identity went live last night-19 April 2018 at 9 pm IST. Times Network president Nikhil Gandhi affirmed, “Zoom is not a TV channel, but it is an omnipresent brand and Bollywood in India is like a meta-state. With our focus on original content, we will be targeting the sweet spot of 15-to 24-year olds.”

    Zoom aims to leverage Myntra’s style quotient for a new look and feel, new shows, new web-series, short formats and exclusive experiences. The new logo and packaging reflect style, vibrancy and happiness that are symbolic of the channel’s target audience.

    With ‘Zoom styled by Myntra’, viewers will see fresh new faces, stylised looks and latest trends from Myntra, rising stars, the best of Bollywood and popular music. Moreover, the clothing/apparel that will be worn by the celebs/actors/anchors would be shoppable via a Zoom store on Myntra. Through this partnership, Myntra aims to make #SeeItToBuyIt a reality, wherein what the consumer sees on screen can be easily accessed on Myntra.

    Myntra is using the association to strengthen its position in the fashion space. The deal between Zoom and Myntra is a monetised partnership that Gandhi is optimistic will travel beyond at least three years.

    Myntra head of research and insights Priyanka Bhargav said, “This partnership will help us reach viewers of the channel across the country who are ardent followers. Moreover, core propositions such as styles, looks and brands will get a huge push through celebrity-driven content that the TG looks up to.”

    Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand was of the opinion that Zoom had changed the rules of stereotype partnership deals in the industry with its association with Myntra and the refreshed identity reflects the kind of real, conversational and multi-lingual entertainment that viewers in India are looking for.

    Considering that companies today are in a hurry to jump from offline to online, the reverse done by Myntra may be considered as a major move. Bhargav said, “Television has always been one of the most popular mediums for consumption of content, alongside social and digital mediums that are extremely popular. Television, in this association, will act as a catalyst for greater penetration and overall visibility for both brands.”

    Myntra and Jabong CEO Ananth Narayanan said that by 2020, 75 per cent of the content consumed would be video content and made for India original content would grow substantially. “Fashion as a category lends itself well to the video format, much more than any other category. Each show will be styled by Myntra and you can easily get similar looks on Myntra,” he added.

    “Zoom has good affinity in the Myntra demographic TG, especially millennials and Gen-Z. Zoom has very good reach, not only in metros but also tier 2 and 3 cities and towns, where Bollywood inspires style and people have strong aspirations. Online fashion shoppers are highly indexed on Bollywood, movies and music and one in four Zoom viewers has a strong affinity towards online shopping for fashion,” Bhargava pointed out.

    According to Gandhi, Zoom is being distributed to 60 countries out of which Mauritius is its biggest market.

    Last year was a difficult year for broadcasters as they grappled with the challenges of both GST and demonetisation. “At the top-line level, Zoom has grown nine to 10 per cent last year, which was muted growth across the industry. But this year is going to be phenomenal and we are going to grow by 40 per cent at the top line,” Gandhi said.

    Amidst rumours that the channel may launch an over-the-top (OTT) platform, Gandhi said that there were no such plans for now but content syndication was surely on the cards. To engage viewers, the channel decided not to spend millions of dollars on creating originals but focus on the ‘feel’ of the shows. “The cost in which we had executed our web-series is unimaginable against what the OTT players are paying per episode. Our cost is very less compared to OTT players in the market,” says Gandhi.

    The ‘Zoom styled by Myntra’ marketing campaign will enjoy visibility across channels via advertisements and promotions on the Times network will amplify the announcement to the larger audiences in addition to a few print ads and hoardings to keep the communication at the forefront in the traditional format.

    Zoom Originals aims to create experiences beyond screens that will be warm, stylish and relatable, reflecting today’s coming-of-age stories, and viewers’ own lives and relationships. These shows will be shown on the channel as well as on YouTube as web series.

    The channel’s flagship property, Planet Bollywood, will also get a makeover. The anchors will now drive the conversation to reveal the real “story behind the news”. The show will also drive discussions to engage viewers on Zoom’s digital platforms and social media handles.

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  • NDTV’s Shouneel Charles joins Times Network as SVP – digital

    MUMBAI: Times is inducting senior executives one after the other. After Nikhil Gandhi, Times Network has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Shouneel Charles as its senior vice president – digital. Based out of Mumbai, he will report to Times Network MD & CEO M.K. Anand.

    Times Network recently appointed Nikhil Gandhi as president – revenue, whose key responsibility is growth of profitable monetisation of the entire bouquet of channels under the network. Earlier too, he was a part of the core team at Zoom during the launch of the channel.

    On Charles’s appointment, Anand said, “We look forward to scaling heights and claiming our rightful position as a strong Digital Media Company with this induction and other senior level interventions that we plan. Given his experience in digital media, marketing and advertising, we are confident that we will be able to better engage with the New Media market.’’

    Charles said, “Leading the digital practice at a network that is known for its unique campaigns and initiatives is a huge responsibility. The growing digitisation throws a huge opportunity for established brands like Times Network.”

    In his previous assignment, Charles was leading the digital business at NDTV Convergence as the chief sales & marketing officer and chief revenue officer. He helped the media company set up a digital ecosystem, profitable internet and mobile based business.

    With close to 20 years of experience, Shouneel Charles has previously worked for multi-national companies such as Yahoo, Turner Broadcasting, HBO, Warner Brothers, STAR TV and The American Express Bank.

    Also Read:

    Nikhil Gandhi joins Times Network as president – revenue

  • Nikhil Gandhi joins Times Network as president – revenue

    MUMBAI: Times Network has announced the appointment of Nikhil Gandhi as president – revenue. He will report to Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand. His key responsibility will be growth of profitable monetisation of the entire bouquet of channels under the network.

    This is his second stint with the network. He was a part of the core team at Zoom during the launch of the channel in 20064. Gandhi replaces Ashit Kukian who was appointed in November 2015.

    Anand said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Nikhil into the Times Network family as president – revenue. His strong  leadership skills, people management abilities and operational expertise along with his extensive background in the M&E space will definitely add value to Times Network. Nikhil embodies the Action Orientation that Times Network is known for, and is a great business leader.”

    He further added that, “Ashit Kukian has decided to move on and pursue other opportunities and we would like to wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”

    Gandhi added, “Leading the revenue vertical of a network that is growing and leading the Media and Entertainment space is exciting. My efforts will be to propel Times Network to greater heights and achieve the business objectives.”  

    Gandhi comes with over 17 years of experience in media with revenue and business specialization and he last held the position at Disney India Media Networks vice president and head of revenue.

     

  • Lean Disney to focus on core strengths

    Lean Disney to focus on core strengths

    MUMBAI: World’s biggest media and entertainment group with over US$22 billion in annual revenue The Walt Disney Company is prepared to restructure its India operations under the recently-appointed managing director Mahesh Samat, who rejoined in October.

    Disney has lately been working towards a lean structure, aligned more to the international organisational set-up. The India operations will be focusing on consumer products business and Hollywood films — its main strengths.

    After sustaining major losses, Disney has planned to temporarily drop its Hindi film production business that includes interactives, media networks, licensing and merchandising.

    Disney India head of revenue – media networks Nikhil Gandhi and head of interactive Sameer Ganapathy have resigned already. Also, Disney India may reportedly trim its workforce by 35-40 per cent in a couple of months.

    It was earlier reported that Disney India may be closing down game development at Indiagames. Ganapathy, who had replaced Indiagames co-founder Vishal Gondal after Indiagames was acquired by Disney, lead the interactive business which included development and delivery of multiplatform games and digital products including apps for multi-brands under The Walt Disney Company – Indiagames, Disney, Marvel, UTV, and Disney Pixar.

  • Lean Disney to focus on core strengths

    Lean Disney to focus on core strengths

    MUMBAI: World’s biggest media and entertainment group with over US$22 billion in annual revenue The Walt Disney Company is prepared to restructure its India operations under the recently-appointed managing director Mahesh Samat, who rejoined in October.

    Disney has lately been working towards a lean structure, aligned more to the international organisational set-up. The India operations will be focusing on consumer products business and Hollywood films — its main strengths.

    After sustaining major losses, Disney has planned to temporarily drop its Hindi film production business that includes interactives, media networks, licensing and merchandising.

    Disney India head of revenue – media networks Nikhil Gandhi and head of interactive Sameer Ganapathy have resigned already. Also, Disney India may reportedly trim its workforce by 35-40 per cent in a couple of months.

    It was earlier reported that Disney India may be closing down game development at Indiagames. Ganapathy, who had replaced Indiagames co-founder Vishal Gondal after Indiagames was acquired by Disney, lead the interactive business which included development and delivery of multiplatform games and digital products including apps for multi-brands under The Walt Disney Company – Indiagames, Disney, Marvel, UTV, and Disney Pixar.

  • Bindass ‘stands for attitude’ with new packaging

    Bindass ‘stands for attitude’ with new packaging

    MUMBAI: Calling it a mere TV channel would not be fair as suggested by the channel’s top execs Nikhil Gandhi and Vijay Subramaniam. It stands for attitude. Bindass, now in its 10th year, has changed its packaging effective 5 November.

    The new 3D background has been developed in-house, though the logo continues to be the same. The channel made a big shift last year, making it a platform-agnostic brand. This year, it turned into a storyteller by creating content in an imaginary relatable way.

    Not only has it changed its look and feel, but it also plans to launch 10 shows in the coming months, mostly one each month. Five out of the lot are already under production.

    Of the shows lined up for the viewers, Bindass has already announced details of three. It plans to bring the Season Two of “Beg Borrow Steal” which is presented by Ossum and powered by Airtel slated to launch on 5 November. Apart from this is a show tilted “The Trip” staring Lisa Haydon as the lead with three supporting actors. The show is a trip of four girls to Thailand from Delhi by road. This show will hit the TV screens on 15 December.

    Both these shows will first be launched on Facebook, followed by its TV launch, and will be then released on YouTube. The channel also plans to bring the second season of their popular maiden web series “Girl In the City.”

    Bindass is also working with several directors, writers and producers in order to provide quality content to its viewers.

    The details of the rest of the shows were not announced though it’s release will purely depend on its sentiment. There is no schedule that the channel is following for the launches. It will come up with a new story once they feel that their previous story has been potentially utilized and has reached the desired target.

    Subramaniam strongly believes that integration of a brand in a show should be seamless, and not on the face. “You tend to lose your audience if you make the story according to or based on brand integration. Brands come to us because of the story, the content.”

    Gandhi expressed similar thoughts about branded content and added further, “We have so many brands associating with us for the first time because of our content. Like some brands want exposure on digital while some want it on TV. I also have clients who want to be there on all the platforms. I believe that branded content is the way forward.”

    There was no announcement on launch of a new digital platform in India. The team is watching the OTT space for now. “I think that we have enough things to focus on for now. We will look into the digital landscape later,” shared Subramaniam.

    Bindass has also rumored to be launched in 4K sometime next year. With its new packaging, the channel’s definite transition into high definition looks like a possibility. It only remains to be seen what bigger plan this urban-centric channel has in place, going forward.