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PVR ties up with O-Zone to provide Wi-Fi to patrons
NEW DELHI: PVR Cinemas is introducing free high-speed Wi-Fi at some of its properties and has tied up with public Wi-Fi service provider O-Zone Networks for the same.
“At PVR, we believe in reaching out to our guests in a way that makes their each visit to our cinemas a memorable one. There is a growing demand for technology and need for staying connected amongst our guests, all over the country. Our response to this demand and efforts are manifest with the introduction of Wi-Fi services at select cinemas of our chain. The service will soon be expanded to our other cinemas. With the launch of Wi-Fi services, we hope it will further consolidate our position as pioneers in the cinema going space,” said PVR chief of strategy Kamal Gianchandani.
Ozone Networks Founder and CEO Sanjeev Sarin added, “We are proud to be chosen by PVR to help bring advanced guest Wi-Fi services to their customers. Our unique offering will give PVR new and powerful ways to connect with their customers. Our aim is to build the largest Wi-Fi network in India by 2016 and our partnership with PVR is an important step in this journey. With 6,000 hotspots in the country today, we aspire for a connected world and through this partnership we will not only provide high speed but also a secure internet connection, which can be availed during the wait time for the movies. We are confident that cinema goers will enjoy all time connectivity at cinemas now.”
Brands
JioHotstar EVP, head subscriptions (SVOD) and media Piyush Kothari exits
Streaming executive signs off after 6.5-year run across DisneyStar and JioStar
MUMBAI: Piyush Kothari, EVP and head subscriptions (SVOD) and media at JioHotstar, has stepped down from his role, bringing the curtain down on a 6.5-year stint spanning the DisneyStar and JioStar eras.
Kothari shared the update in a note reflecting on what he called a “transformative” phase for the media industry and a personal journey through the fast-evolving world of streaming and sports entertainment.
“The last few years have been transformative for the media industry and experiencing this journey up close over the past 6.5 years with DisneyStar and now JioStar has been a thriller,” he wrote, thanking colleagues and collaborators who shaped his time in the business.
Kothari joined JioHotstar in November 2024 as EVP, head subscriptions (svod) and media, where he oversaw subscription revenues and subscriber growth for the platform’s svod business.
Before that, he spent over five years at The Walt Disney Company in a series of leadership roles. His last position there was head of product, growth, partnerships and international expansion for Disney+ Hotstar, where he led efforts to scale subscription revenues across direct to consumer and partnership channels. The role also involved overseeing the service’s standalone businesses in markets such as Singapore, Canada and the UK.
Earlier, he served as lead, corporate office and strategic projects, working across the company’s entertainment, sports and streaming businesses. He also headed business operations at Mashal Sports, the entity behind the Pro Kabaddi League, where he helped steer the league through key commercial milestones including a five year broadcast and streaming media rights deal.
Alongside his operational roles, Kothari also served as nominee director on the board of Mashal Sports and was a director on the board of Novi Digital, the company that operates Hotstar.
Before entering the media and entertainment space, Kothari held senior roles across consulting, fintech and conglomerates. He worked with Welspun Group as head, group executive office, with Aditya Birla Group as joint president and business head, digital, analytics and strategy at Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank, and earlier served as vice president in the chairman’s office at the group.
His career also includes stints at Accenture as principal, Accenture Strategy, and earlier at Shell in channel development and sales.
Reflecting on his time in the media sector, Kothari said he leaves with a lasting belief in India’s subscription economy. He also joked about picking up a new affection along the way.
“Carrying with me love for kabaddi, a deep belief in the potential of the subscriptions business in India, and fond memories and friendships,” he wrote, adding that he is now “onward to the next chapter”.
