MAM
Sagar Kadam joins JioStar as senior director – ecosystem partnerships
Veteran from SonyLiv takes charge of subscription and ecosystem growth for JioHotstar from January 2026.
MUMBAI: Sagar Kadam just switched teams in the OTT big leagues because when you’re this good at partnerships, even the streaming giants line up to sign you. Sagar Kadam has joined JioStar as senior director for ecosystem & subscription partnerships for the digital venture (JioHotstar), effective January 2026. In his new role in Mumbai, he will focus on building and scaling subscription revenue, ecosystem alliances, and strategic partnerships across telcos, banks, ISPs, connected devices, e-commerce, fintech, gifting, rewards, loyalty channels, and more.
Kadam brings deep experience in digital growth and monetisation. He most recently served as associate vice president for partnerships, growth and monetization at Sony Pictures Networks India (SonyLiv) from October 2021 to January 2026, where he drove subscription revenue through partnerships and business development. Before that, he was associate director for partnerships, growth and monetization at Zee5 (April 2019–October 2021).
His earlier career includes nearly nine years at Shemaroo Entertainment (2010–2019) in various business development roles, a stint at I-Free (2008–2010) as manager for content & alliances, and an early position at Enable Mobile Technologies (2007–2008).
Kadam holds an MBA in Marketing from ITM Group of Institutions (2011–2013).
His move to JioStar comes as the merged entity ramps up its push in India’s booming streaming market, where ecosystem partnerships and subscription strategies are key to capturing and retaining users. For someone who’s spent years turning alliances into revenue engines, this role at JioHotstar feels like the perfect next play pairing his partnership playbook with one of the country’s biggest digital platforms. Whether it’s striking telco deals or unlocking fintech tie-ups, Kadam’s arrival signals JioStar is gearing up to make every connection count.
Brands
Hyundai Venue crosses 1 lakh bookings, adds HX8 Diesel AT variant
New top-spec automatic diesel trim brings ventilated seats, OTA updates and paddle shifters.
MUMBAI: Hyundai Venue just hit the jackpot and upgraded the prize because when you cross 1 lakh bookings, you don’t just celebrate, you throw in paddle shifters and ventilated seats for the ride. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced that the all-new Hyundai Venue has achieved 1 lakh bookings, cementing its strong position in the compact SUV segment. To mark the milestone and further enhance customer choice, the company introduced the new HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant.
The HX8 Diesel AT is powered by the proven U2 1.5L CRDi diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It adds a host of premium comfort, safety and convenience features, including:
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual-tone leatherette seats with VENUE branding
- Electric 4-way driver seat adjust
- Controller Over-the-Air (OTA) updates
- Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Rear disc brakes
- Ambient lighting on crash pad and central console
- Drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport)
- Traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow)
- Paddle shifters
HMIL, managing director & CEO Tarun Garg said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 1 lakh bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience.”
Backed by Hyundai’s extensive sales and service network, the Venue continues to appeal to buyers seeking a feature-rich, comfortable and future-ready compact SUV. The new variant reinforces HMIL’s focus on delivering advanced technology, safety, comfort and value while adapting to evolving customer preferences.
In a segment where bookings are the real horsepower, Hyundai isn’t just counting milestones, it’s handing drivers an automatic upgrade that makes every journey feel like the victory lap.
