MUMBAI: Like two Sumo wrestlers in the ring sizing each other up, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) and the Reliance-and Walt Disney backed Star India have been circling each other, eyeing each other in relation to a failed International Cricket Council (ICC ) men’s cricket rights (2024-27) rights deal the two had made with each other in August 2022. Both have been saying the other owes them money as the failed deal has proved to be an expensive affair.
Star’s first claimed $940 million in damages in September 2024 over the failed International Cricket Council (ICC) broadcasting rights deal. Now, it’s the turn of Zeel to file an $8 million counterclaim, plus interest against Star India. The dispute is being arbitrated by the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
It all began with Star sub-licensing ICC rights to Zeel. Zeel later withdrew from the agreement and Star India took over the entire $3billion liability for the rights. Star has argued that Zeel TV failed to pay the $203.56 million first instalment (Rs 1,693 crore) and meet additional financial obligations of Rs 17 crore for bank guarantees and deposit interest. In March 2024, Star initiated arbitration seeking enforcement of the agreement or damages. It later terminated the contract in June 2024 and focused on claiming damages.
Zeel submitted its defence on 23 December 2024, refuting Star’s claims and seeking a refund of Rs 69 crore paid under the agreement. The LCIA constituted a three-member tribunal, with proceedings at an early stage. Zee TV has argued that that the agreement became void due to Star’s failure to meet conditions precedent, including financial guarantees and ICC approval. Zeel also cited the planned (but now failed) merger with Sony Pictures Networks as a complicating factor. Star India reported a Rs 12,548 crore net loss for FY24, driven by a Rs 12,319 crore provision for the ICC media rights deal.
Zeel maintains that the dispute will not significantly impact its operations or finances, citing the strength of its legal position. The company’s board is monitoring the matter and remains confident in its ability to defend against Star’s claims.
MUMBAI: A sharp focus on its expenditure and tight cost controls have resulted in Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) notching up a respectable showing in its latest quarter FY2025 results as well as for the nine months of FY2025. The net result: there has been a growth in profitability despite revenues slipping because of a challenging advertising environment.
The company’s operating revenue for Q3 2025 ended 31 December 2024 stood at Rs 19,788 million, reflecting a three per cent decline year-over-year (YoY) due to a weak festive season and lower advertising revenues.
In the investor call which followed, CEO Punit Goenka confessed that “the green shoots we witnessed during the beginning of the quarter did not pick up the required pace to drive a positive growth momentum. This, coupled with muted spending by FMCG brands in a festive quarter, further slowed the pace of growth for the industry at large, although there was a marginal pickup in the rural recovery. The lacklustre sentiment in the urban market led to weaker demand November and December. This, in turn, also impacted our advertising revenue during the quarter.”
Punit, however, expressed optimism of a recovery in the coming months. Said he: “Going forward, we are hopeful that the upcoming union budget will encompass pertinent steps by the honorable finance minister to revive the consumption cycle in order to spur growth. On the back of these factors, we remain optimistic about a gradual recovery in the new fiscal that will enable us to capitalise on the increased spending by advertisers.”
Added deputy CEO & CFO Mukund Galgali: “The TV industry landscape remains healthy, and the overall industry wide TV viewership has increased by 1.4 per cent further. We continue to be strong, number two entertainment network in India, and we have gained 40 BPS share to 16.9 per cent as compared to the same period last year. And as Punit mentioned again, Zee Marathi has shown a consistent progress four car intervention. And Zee Tamil has also gained healthy share on a year on year basis compared to the same period last year. on the digital side, Zee5 has further narrowed its operating losses in this quarter. Its EBITDA loss is lower by Rs 22.6 crores in QoQ and Rs 107.8 crore YoY basis. A B2B deal which is still being discussed and was not renewed impacted our top line for Zee5.”
In contrast to ad revenues, subscription revenues grew by seven per cent year on year to Rs 9,406 million driven by linear TV and digital platform Zee5. EBITDA for Q3 FY25 increased by 52 per cent YoY to Rs 3,184 million, with a margin of 16.1 per cent (up from 10.2 per cent in Q3 FY24). Profit after tax (PAT) from continuing operations rose by 207 per cent YoY to Rs 1,636 million, underscoring effective cost management and operational efficiency. Total expenditure decreased by 10 per cent YoY to Rs 16,604 million, driven by optimised programming and technology costs.
For the nine month period ended 31 December for FY25, total revenue was at Rs 61,100 million a six per cent decline YoY, while expenditure decreased 10 per cent, reflecting disciplined cost control. EBITDA for 9M FY25 rose by 31 per cent YoY to Rs 9,110 million, with margins improving to 14.9 per cent (up 410 basis points YoY). PAT from continuing operations increased by 167 per cent YoY to Rs 4,988 million.
Zee Network’s TV viewership share grew by 40 basis points YoY, driven by strong performances in Hindi movies and Marathi content. New show launches like Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile (Zee TV) and Lakshmi Nivas (Zee Marathi) contributed to the viewership growth. Zee5 recorded an eight per cent YoY revenue growth in Q3 FY25, releasing 14 shows and movies, including seven originals. EBITDA losses for Zee5 reduced significantly YoY, reflecting better cost structures. Zee Music Company remained the second-largest music label with 160 million YouTube subscribers, adding 3.6 million during the quarter. The channel clocked 43 billion video views during Q3 FY 2025. Zee Studios released five films in Q3, including two Hindi and three regional movies.
The company spent a lot more this quarter on promoting its shows as well as on building its brand following the collapse of the merger with Sony. Its advertisement and promotion expenses stood at Rs 2826 million in Q3FY25 as against Rs 2275 million in the previous quarter and Rs 2065 million Q3 FY 2024. In the 9 months in FY2025, it has spent Rs 7725 million as against Rs 6963 million in 9m FY2024.
The company also announced the appointment of media veteran Divya Karani as an additional director in the category of independent director for three years with effect from 23 January 2025 based on the recommendation of the nomination & remuneration committee and subject to the approval of the ministry of information and broadcasting and shareholders of the Company. Finally, Zeel’s sustainability efforts saw a 33 per cent reduction in waste sent to landfills and an 11 per cent decrease in daily carbon emissions during FY24.
MUMBAI: Five months ago Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) announced the appointment of former Amazon, Tesco and Google engineering executive Shiva Chinnasamy as the chief technology and product officer of the company.
Last month Zee5 chief business officer -domestic and global – Manish Kalra decided to put in his papers at the company after a near five year stint.
Seeing the performance of Shiva, the dynamic tech and business executive, over the past five months, the company has decided to appoint him as the CBO of Zee5 as well starting the new year. Apparently, he has come in as a replacement for Manish Kalra.
Disclosing this on Linkedin Shiva said he had been entrusted with – and given – the responsibility of Zee5’s business “P&L, operations and growth.”
MUMBAI: Padma Kasturirangan has been promoted to head of South, India Originals at Prime Video, marking a significant step forward in her career. In a recent LinkedIn post, Kasturirangan shared her excitement about stepping into this expanded role, where she will oversee the streaming giant’s growing slate of Tamil and Telugu Originals.
Having joined Prime Video two years ago as head of Telugu Originals, Kasturirangan has played a pivotal role in building the platform’s Telugu content offerings, working closely with creators to bring fresh, engaging stories to audiences. Her promotion underscores Prime Video’s commitment to strengthening its foothold in South India, with plans to scale up its Originals program in the region.
Before joining Prime Video, Kasturirangan was vice president of Telugu Original Content at Zee5, part of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. Her vast experience in content creation and her deep understanding of regional storytelling have made her an influential figure in the industry. Kasturirangan has also been associated with several other media companies, including Tamada Media Private Limited, contributing to her diverse and extensive background in the Indian entertainment space.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Kasturirangan is poised to continue shaping the future of South Indian content on Prime Video, nurturing new markets, and delivering stories that resonate with audiences across the region.
Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., the leading Indian media & entertainment powerhouse, unveiled the marketing campaign for its third edition of DP World ILT20, which will kick off on 11 January 2025. The TVC features Australian batting star David Warner from Dubai Capitals and West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, alongside talented actors Deven Bhojani and Anand Tiwari who join forces to bring the magic of ILT20 to life.
Set against the dynamic and vibrant backdrop of the UAE, the TVC featuring Warner and Holder combines striking visuals, light-hearted humour, and high-energy cricket action, thereby providing a preview of the experience and entertainment for the fans during the tournament. With the tagline: ‘Duniya bhar ke T20 heroes aa rahe hain Apna Jalwa Dikhaane’ (The world’s top players have arrived to showcase their brilliance) and social media campaign #DikhayengeApnaJalwa, the campaign captures the excitement, celebrating the heroes who shine.
Bringing together the league’s global stature and the participation of marquee T20 cricketing talent, the league offers viewers a chance to witness the players pushing their limits to emerge victorious in one of the toughest cricket leagues.
Australian cricket David Warner said, “It is an incredible honour to be part of such an engaging campaign for one of the most fiercely competitive T20 leagues in the world. This campaign offers a glimpse of the thrilling experience fans can expect when they tune in to watch the tournament. Like last season, we are confident that the league will deliver an unparalleled, immersive experience for cricket enthusiasts everywhere”
West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder further added, “It is a privilege to be a part of such an exciting campaign that brings together the global passion for cricket. The new edition of the tournament promises great competition and memorable moments for fans and I’m excited to be a part of this marquee tournament.”
The franchise-style tournament with six teams will be played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global). Cricket fans can watch this action-packed event on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 15 linear TV channels: &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD and on one of India’s leading OTT platforms – ZEE5.
Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd, chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue Ashish Sehgal said, “We are delighted with the launch of this campaign that highlights the cultural vibrancy of UAE as a backdrop for this marquee global sporting event. By featuring renowned cricketers like David Warner and Jason Holder alongside talented actors Deven Bhojani and Anand Tiwari, we aim to engage our audience and provide world-class entertainment. By introducing more channels to showcase the tournament, we aim to create an innovative and immersive experience that resonates with cricket fans across the globe.”
ILT20 CEO David White added, “The inclusion of international stars such as David Warner and Jason Holder in our promotional and marketing strategies is reflective of our mission to elevate upcoming edition on a global scale. Their presence not only signifies a competitive tournament but also highlights the shared passion for cricket that transcends borders. We are extremely excited to invite fans at the upcoming edition which will provide unforgettable memories.”
Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in Season 3, including Australian powerhouse, David Warner and Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka. They will be joined by West Indian legends like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Rovman Powell, who will bring their dynamic all-round abilities to the tournament. The league will also feature some more talents from the previous seasons, including Sikandar Raza, Chris Jordan, James Vince, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran. Other key retained players include, Kusal Mendis and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.
Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can watch the LIVE action exclusively on ZEE’s 15 linear TV channels, OTT platform ZEE5 and its syndicate partners’ TV and digital networks across the world. Aiming to capture a viewership of 230-million for the upcoming season, ZEE will expand its reach by including South Indian channels, offering a month-long cricket carnival experience. The month long tournament will begin on 11 January 2025, with final to be played on Sunday, 9 February 2025.
MUMBAI: The board of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) today approved the appointment of former HCL and Pepsico India executive Saurav Adhikari as an additional director in the category of non-executive director. It informed the BSE about his addition to the company through a regulatory filing in the evening of 28 November 2024. He had earlier been appointed on 15 November in the same capacity, but his term was valid only till 28 November, the date of the AGM.
Adhikari is currently the founder & senior partner at Indus Tech Edge Fund I, a growth fund focused on globalising India’s vibrant technology ecosystem. He is the former chairman of NASDAQ listed Vahanna Tech Edge Acquisition I Corp (a special purpose acquisition company (Spac)) and has after a successful DeSpac/merger moved on to the board of NASDAQ listed Roadzen. He also serves as a board member of Goodricke Group Ltd, Accelya Solutions India Ltd, (both listed in India), and Bridgeweave Ltd UK, an AI based fintech firm. He works as a technology advisor and investor with interests across AI based fintech and healthcare firms, as well as analytics, IoT and logistics firms. He serves as a senior advisor in the Shiv Nadar Foundation and is a board member of the Shiv Nadar University.
Adhikari has impeccable credentials. Especially while with the HCL group. He worked on several multi-billion-dollar inorganic investments in technology and software, carve-outs of multiple enterprise software product suites, joint ventures with global majors, all to transform and reinvent HCL’s business. He was instrumental in strategising HCL’s pivoting of its business model to a leading intellectual property-led solutions company. In his technology role, he had built deep inroads into global private equity and VC firms, while creating large, successful, value-based partnerships between HCL and private equity owned technology businesses, which are considered groundbreaking in the industry.
At HCL, he held various executive positions, the last being president, global strategy, working directly with the founder & chairman with oversight across the group’s business, as well as the not-for-profit Shiv Nadar Foundation. During this time, he contributed to HCL’s immense growth from a sub $200mn revenue company in 2000 to a $14bn revenue and over $50bn market cap today, transforming it into one of the world’s leading, and India’s third largest IT/technology firms and India’s no. 1 software product company.
His prior experience also includes several senior global leadership and executive roles across Unilever, as vice President at PepsiCo and Group SEB (Tefal India) and as CEO of the India business.
Meanwhile, Punit Goenka’s reappointment as a director on the Zeel board failed to get the requisite majority of votes (50.4 percent against: 49.5 percent for) from shareholders during the company’s AGM held yesterday, the company said in an exchange filing. He, had earlier stepped down as managing director and continued as CEO of the company recently. Media reports have viewed this failure to get reappointed as a director a set back for Goenka. (Updated on 29 November 2024, 8 am)
Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, the official broadcaster of DP World ILT20, is all set to commence the third edition of the tournament on 11 January 2025, featuring Australian cricketing icon David Warner for his second season with the Dubai Capitals. While the team achieved a runner-up finish in the tournament’s previous edition, Warner is determined to play a greater role in building on that success in 2025 – Season 3. Reflecting on the tournament’s unique structure, he highlighted its impact on raising the level of competition and providing invaluable opportunities for local talent. As the new season approaches, Warner remains committed to sharing his extensive experience and supporting the growth of UAE cricket.
Warner opined that the Dubai International Stadium – Dubai Capitals’ home ground is amongst his favourite venues in the world He said, “The best thing about the venue is the atmosphere. Once you’re inside and the fans are here supporting the game, it’s loud, it’s electrifying, and there is also the light display and everything that comes with it. The aesthetics are absolutely fantastic.”
Warner further lauded the wicket dynamics and ground dimensions, “The best thing I like here is the wicket. It can be challenging at first, but once you get through the initial phase, you can play more freely. The boundary dimensions are something I love, in Australia, we don’t get that. The MCG is so big, but here the grounds are perfect for a batsman. The pockets can be a little big, but I just like playing here. It’s always good. If you get through the new ball, you can be there at the end.” he opined.
On the unique squad composition at the DP World ILT20 that mandates each team can feature as many as nine international players besides a minimum of two players from the United Arab Emirates, the hard-hitting southpaw remarked, “It’s rare to have the opportunity where such great talent from around the world mixes with local talent. I think it’s a great experience for the local players, but more importantly, it strengthens the competition, which is incredibly fierce. It’s highly competitive, and everyone talks about it—in Australia and other countries as well. They’re all discussing this tournament and always want to be part of it.”
As the third season approaches, ZEE Entertainment is all set to bring exhilarating action to fans through its linear channels and OTT platform, ZEE5, in a dynamic and immersive way. Commenting on this exciting announcement, Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer – Digital & Broadcast Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited said, “We are thrilled that David Warner is back to head Dubai Capitals for the third season! The last season saw his entry into the DP World ILT20 boosting the tournament’s global appeal and his continuing as Captain will ensure that the third season is bigger and better and more competitive than ever before. The inclusion of nine international players in the team promises high-class cricket with an entertaining sporting carnival experience that combines at a relaxed, luxurious venue to cricket fans with unparalleled entertainment. With the return of world-class players of David Warne’s calibre, this season promises to be bigger and better and more competitive, resonating strongly with cricket fans across India and beyond. Building on last’s season remarkable response, we aim to continue the momentum in broadcasting excellence and fan engagement.”
As a legend of the game with 49 international centuries across all formats, Warner also shed light on the next phase of his career, “This game has given me everything, and it’s upon myself to give the game back because it owes me nothing. I owe everything to the people who have supported me, and my main focus is to keep generating cricketers to come up through the ranks, participate in tournaments like this, and continue evolving as a leader, making sure I’m giving my knowledge back to the youngsters.”
He further added, “It’s not just a game for the young. You can play at my age as well, but you’ve got to stay fit and keep up with the youngsters.”
Addressing the Capitals’ and DP World ILT20 fans, Warner expressed, “I encourage everyone to come out and support the teams—whichever team it may be. The best part is that you get to see exciting talent, both from around the world and locally. It’s a big spectacle, so please go out, purchase some tickets, and enjoy some entertaining cricket.”
On his previous season with the Dubai Capitals, that also marked his debut at the DP World ILT20, the opening batter said, “I enjoyed the competition. It was challenging from an opening batter’s perspective and good for the bowlers. I think the way we fought and came back strongly towards the end of the tournament was fantastic.”
Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can watch the LIVE action exclusively on ZEE’s 15 linear TV channels, OTT platform ZEE5 and its syndicate partners’ TV and digital networks across the world.
Through the tournament, Zee Entertainment is aiming for an even larger audience in its third season, targeting 230-million viewers. The strategies being employed to increase its footprints are multifaceted, focusing on the Indian market, which includes cricket lovers, advertisers, and the addition of South Indian channels.
Earlier this year, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) reported that the league’s second season reached 221 million viewers. The channel’s extensive distribution strategy ensured widespread accessibility in India and across the globe. With a notable 46% share of female viewership and 55% share of youth viewership, the league’s broad appeal in India underscores its status.
MUMBAI: He wants to get down to the brass tacks of business., roll up his sleeves and go about achieving the targets the Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) board/nomination remunerations committee has set him and rev up the company’s revenue and profits. Zeel CEO & MD Punit Goenka has resigned from the post of managing director while retaining his position as CEO. Earlier Punit had sought permission from the Zeel board to resign as MD and continue as CEO which it accepted, effective 18 November.
The company has also agreed to additionally designate Zeel chief financial officer Mukund Galgali as the deputy CEO. Galgali has been with the Zee group for the past 17 years, but has 27 years of work experience, and will support Punit in driving the company’s strategic initiatives. As a member of the leadership team, he has been providing strategic consulting advice on business planning and performance, regulatory and ta implications on business, process innovations and management controls etc. to improve business efficiency and value creation for shareholders.
The Zeel board has recommended that a deputy chief financial officer be appointed to further strengthen the management team. Further, it is continuing the review of the company’s HR policies, processes and salary structures which were changed during the merger.
It may be recalled that the Zeel board raised the targets set for Punit while reappointing him as the MD & CEO. Late last week, the board had also put him under close watch, saying they would be evaluating his performance in terms of quarterly consolidated revenues and EBITDA over the next four quarters commencing Q3FY25) and pay out of 25 per cent of consolidated net profits as dividend to Zeel’s shareholders.
In a statement issued on Monday, Punit said that Zeel remains on a firm footing and is taking all the necessary steps to build a robust foundation for its future. “In order to ensure we maintain a sharp focus on achieving our targeted aspirations, the core businesses require dedicated time and energy which can only be achieved in an operational capacity. In the long-term interest of the Company and all its stakeholders, I have approached the board with a request to attain operational focus as the CEO. I am grateful to the board for recognizing my efforts and supporting me in this approach,” he added.
As part of the changes, the variable portion (40 per cent) of Punit’s salary will be paid only on achievement of certain milestones, subject to a maximum cap as defined by the Zeel board.
Zeel chairman R. Gopalan stated,“The board appreciates the approach taken by Punit Goenka to sharpen his focus towards enhancing the operational aspects of the company as the chief executive officer. His expertise and business acumen remain unmatched, and we remain confident in his abilities to deliver immense value to the company and all its stakeholders in the position he assumes. On behalf of the board, I wish him immense luck and success going forward.”
Mumbai: The Delhi high court granted interim relief to Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, ordering the cessation of unauthorised streaming of its TV shows, movies, and other proprietary content on sixty rogue websites. Justice Mini Pushkarna directed domain registrars to suspend these sites and provide Zee with essential information, including contact details, IP addresses, and locations. Additionally, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were instructed to block access to the infringing websites.
Represented by advocate Sidharth Chopra, Zee noted extensive unauthorised streaming by defendants 1 through 60—rogue websites hosting popular shows such as Bastar – The Naxal Story, Kakuda, Rautu ka Raaz, and other original series without permission. These sites, operating anonymously, were reportedly profiting from unauthorised access to Zee’s intellectual property by featuring organised and regularly updated content. The suit names defendants 61 to 81 as domain registrars for suspension or blocking of the rogue websites, while defendant 82, Google LLC, is tasked with de-indexing these sites from search results. Defendants 83 to 91, representing Internet Service Providers, were added to restrict access to these websites. The Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, listed as defendants 92 and 93, respectively, were included to provide necessary notifications.
He emphasised the impact on Zee Entertainment, noting that without intervention, ongoing piracy by defendants 1–60 could lead to irreparable harm given Zee’s investment in content production and distribution.
The court further empowered Zee to report any additional websites found to be involved in unauthorised streaming during ongoing proceedings. In cases where a non-infringing site may be mistakenly blocked, the court assured that the site could seek rectification, provided it does not intend to breach Zee’s broadcast rights.
Zee had initially sought a permanent injunction to prevent copyright violations and piracy by these sites, alleging that they profited from illegal streaming. Zee requested that the domain names be blocked or suspended, that registrars and ISPs disclose relevant information and that search engines like Google de-index these sites.
After reviewing Zee’s arguments, the court found the media company had made a case for an injunction, concluding that Zee could suffer harm without this relief. Justice Pushkarna granted an ex parte interim injunction, and the case is set to continue on 7 March 2025.
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.
