MUMBAI: NDTV Limited has elevated its executive director KVL Narayan Rao to group CEO. In his new role, which is effective immediately, Rao will oversee the businesses of the NDTV Group in India and abroad.

Rao will be responsible for ensuring that the business aspirations of the group are met and that NDTV becomes a global Indian media brand, recognised all over the world for its ethics, high standards and achievements, a company release says.

Rao has been with NDTV since 1995 and has played a key role in the transition and growth of NDTV from a production house to a broadcaster. In his earlier role as director, he was responsible for human resources, administration and operations of the company.

The NDTV Group is expanding both its news and non-news business, which will be overseen now by Rao. He will oversee the implementation of a common code of conduct across the group companies and ensure that the group adheres to the highest standards of corporate governance.

Said NDTV Ltd chairman Prannoy Roy, "With Narayan's rich experience in media broadcast and his leadership experience, he is the best person to steer NDTV in its rapid growth phase. His strong execution skills, his understanding of the organisation’s culture and his personal integrity make him an obvious choice.”

"It's a huge privilege and a great honour and I am delighted to get this opportunity to play a role in NDTV's future," Rao said.

Rao started his career as a journalist with the Indian Express. Thereafter, he joined the Indian Revenue Service and served in different roles, including deputy commissioner of income tax and deputy secretary in the ministry of defence. Rao has a Masters degree in English Literature. He has also graduated from the National Academy of Direct Taxes and has a management diploma in public finance from IIAP/ENA, Paris. He represents NDTV on several international bodies.