International Courant
Sony Photos Networks India has named Disney+ Hotstar content material chief Gaurav Banerjee as its new Managing Director and CEO.
He’ll exchange NP Singh, who not too long ago introduced he was transitioning out of the function at 25 years in senior management positions at Sony’s Indian division. Banerjee’s rent will turn out to be efficient on or earlier than August 26, topic to regulatory approvals.
“I’m deeply honored to tackle the function of MD & CEO at SPNI,” mentioned Banerjee. “Beneath NP Singh’s outstanding management, SPNI has achieved great success and innovation within the leisure business. I’m excited to guide proficient groups as we discover new frontiers in unique programming, improve our viewers’ experiences, drive our distribution footprint throughout India, and considerably increase our revenues. Collectively, we’ll set new benchmarks in leisure and ship distinctive worth to our audiences and stakeholders.”
Banerjee is amongst India’s most skilled content material execs, and was most not too long ago Head of Content material for Hindi Leisure & Disney+ Hotstar and Enterprise Head for Star Bharat, Hindi & English Motion pictures, Children & Infotainment, and Regional (East). This noticed him overseeing content material in a number of languages and spearheading unique collection and movies.
His Disney+ Hotstar commissions embody Aarya, Particular Ops, Prison Justice, The Freelancer and The Night time Supervisor — exhibits that helped the platform turn out to be India’s top-rated streaming service. Anupama, Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein and Imlie had been additionally below his purview. Banerjee began his profession as an assistant producer and anchor at Aaj Tak after which moved to Star Information, the place he produced and anchored primetime information exhibits.
His exit from Disney+ Hotstar comes after it was confirmed that Disney is merging its Indian operations with JioCinema mother or father Reliance Industries. That transfer might sign senior personnel and strategic adjustments if it passes regulatory situations and turns into official. Reliance will management the operation, with Disney taking a minority stake. The deal is anticipated to shut on the finish of 2024 or early 2025.
Sony Photos Networks India is the consumer-facing id of Culver Max Leisure, which is a part of Japan’s Sony Group. The corporate got here near a $10B with Zee Leisure Enterprises, however walked away earlier this 12 months after closing situations weren’t glad.
Sony Photos Networks India’s channels embody Sony Leisure Tv; premium Hindi films and specials community Sony MAX; and Sony PAL, which operates in rural Hindi-speaking markets. It additionally operates the Sony BBC Earth factual leisure channel, Bangla leisure web Sony AATH; youngsters channel Sony YAY!, and quite a few sports activities channels. On the digital entrance, it operates streamer Sony LIV and has an indie manufacturing studio, Studio NEXT. The corporate claims to achieve over 700 million viewers in India and is in 167 nations. Formally, it is called Culver Max Leisure.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of International Tv Studios and President & COO of Sony Photos Leisure mentioned: “NP Singh’s management has been instrumental in shaping SPNI into the powerhouse it’s at the moment. I’m assured that Gaurav Banerjee, along with his confirmed monitor document and visionary method, will proceed to drive SPNI’s success. Gaurav’s experience in content material creation and strategic management will undoubtedly lead SPNI into an thrilling new chapter of progress and achievement. We’re thrilled to have him on the helm and stay up for the continued success of SPNI below his management.”
Sony Photos Networks India Rent Disney+ Hotstar’s Gaurav Banerjee
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