ITV News
Netflix initiates India media agency pitch process
Review covers digital and traditional media amid growth push in India
MUMBAI: The next big binge might not be a show, it could be a pitch deck. Netflix has reportedly kicked off a review of its India media mandate, setting the stage for a competitive agency pitch as it sharpens its playbook in one of its fastest-evolving markets. According to sources familiar with the development, the mandate spans both traditional and digital media planning and buying, reflecting Netflix’s continued focus on audience acquisition, engagement and subscription growth in India. The move signals a strategic reset rather than a routine shuffle, as the platform recalibrates how it reaches and retains viewers in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape.
The account is currently handled by Wavemaker, part of WPP, with multiple agencies now believed to be in contention as the pitch process gathers pace. While details remain under wraps, such reviews typically involve a close reassessment of media efficiency, data capabilities and cross-platform integration areas that have become central to streaming growth strategies.
India continues to be a critical market for Netflix, not just for subscriber expansion but also for content experimentation and pricing innovation. With competition intensifying across OTT platforms, the outcome of this pitch could shape how the brand navigates its next phase both in terms of visibility and value.
For agencies, it’s a high-stakes audition. For Netflix, it’s about ensuring the right partners are in place before the next season of growth begins.
ITV News
Sonata Software CEO Samir Dhir to exit, Rajsekhar Datta Roy named successor
Samir Dhir steps down after tenure, to stay on as advisor till December 2026
BENGALURU: Sonata Software Limited has announced a leadership transition, appointing Rajsekhar Datta Roy as chief executive officer, effective May 9, 2026, for a three-year term. He will lead the company’s international business as it sharpens its focus on AI-led transformation.
Roy, a long-time company veteran, brings over three decades of experience in scaling technology practices and managing global delivery operations for enterprise clients. He has played a central role in building Sonata’s Microsoft and Dynamics practices into key growth engines, while also driving strategy and large-scale digital transformation programmes.
Over the past year, Roy has been closely involved in steering Sonata’s shift towards becoming an AI-first organisation. He has led initiatives around the company’s responsible-first AI framework and contributed to the development of its Harmoni.AI platform, alongside efforts to improve operational margins through tech-driven efficiencies.
Prior to this elevation, Roy served as chief delivery officer, overseeing global delivery and operations, and was a key member of the executive leadership team shaping the company’s transformation roadmap.
The transition follows the exit of Samir Dhir, who will step down as managing director and CEO at the close of business on May 8, 2026. He has also resigned as executive director but will continue as an advisor to the board until December 31, 2026, ensuring continuity during the transition.
The board acknowledged Dhir’s tenure, noting that under his leadership, Sonata strengthened its position as a strategic partner for clients and advanced into its next phase of growth.
Sonata Software Limited executive vice chairman Srikar Reddy said, “Raj’s promotion to CEO underscores our confidence in his leadership and strong technology vision. His deep understanding of Sonata Software will help us continue building an innovative and trusted organisation.”
Sonata Software Limited chief executive officer Rajsekhar Datta Roy added, “I am honoured to step into this role and lead the company’s international business. Our focus will remain on strengthening core capabilities and accelerating AI-led modernisation journeys for our clients.”
With this leadership change, Sonata Software is signalling continuity with a forward-looking tilt, betting on internal leadership and AI capabilities to power its next phase of global growth.
