eNews
Conax warns operators to ‘look beyond piracy, content protection not enough’
CAPE TOWN: Conax, part of the Kudelski Group and a leader in total service protection for digital entertainment services worldwide via broadcast, broadband and connected devices, announced at the TV Connect Africa conference Conax’ EVP Principal Architect and industry expert, Tor Helge Kristiansen, will advise conference participants about the dangers of a new generation of piracy exemplified by the rapid development of the “Internet of Things”. Tapping twenty-five years of conditional access and value chain experience, Kristiansen will share critical insight on pay-TV security during a special conference track dedicated to piracy “Combatting piracy across Africa”, Day 2 at the TV Connect Africa conference.
“A completely new breed of pirates and variety of attacks – far from content security redistribution, but connected to hybrid set-top-boxes – are a growing threat for pay-TV operations,” says Tor Helge Kristiansen, EVP Principal Architect, Conax. “At the TV Connect Africa conference, I’ll address the newest dangers for operators and the measures operators can take to prevent these new threats.”
Already securing over 30 DTH and DTT operators across Africa, Conax is both a trusted partner and a leading driver for Africa’s pay-TV expansion. With a strong regional track record in secure digital migration and innovations for robust operator roadmap, Conax is continuing its strong commitment to the African market by providing pay-TV operators with future-ready solutions and the expert guidance to build their business into the future for next generation consumers.
A pioneer in content security and conditional access technology, Tor Helge Kristiansen joined Conax in 1992, and has played a key role in the evolving pay-TV industry and the ongoing development of Conax products in the highly complementary positions of chief developer, software architect, head of security development and VP Product Management – central for all aspects of Conax products and product development. Joining the executive team in April 2015, the EVP Principal Architect is a central function encompassing both a senior advisory role for championing strategic planning and a trigger for executing on strategy with long term global trends in mind and a dynamic roadmap. Tor Helge’s role is central in sparking and driving high-level technology collaborations with other Kudelski Group companies within the value chain.
eNews
Piyush Thakur steps down as Inshorts’ chief revenue officer
Former vice president and cro says exit marks a new chapter after close to a decade of building revenue and partnerships at Inshorts Group.
NOIDA: Piyush Thakur has stepped away from Inshorts Group after nearly 10 years with the company, marking the end of a long tenure that culminated in his role as chief revenue officer.
In a farewell note, Thakur said he was “turning a new page” after almost a decade at Inshorts, calling it one of the hardest professional decisions he has made. He added that his exit was not driven by uncertainty about the future, but by reflection on a long association with the company.
Thakur joined Inshorts in October 2016 as vice president and spent around seven years in the role before being elevated to chief revenue officer in April 2024, a position he held until April 2026.
He said his tenure was defined by “thousands of mornings, late nights, product debates and breakthrough moments”, as the company evolved into a large-scale digital news platform used by millions.
In his note, Thakur emphasised that Inshorts’ growth was a collective effort across teams, adding that engineers, designers, sales teams and customer support staff all contributed to building the platform. He said the company’s success was not the result of individuals but of “everyone who stayed, passed through, and left their mark”.
Before Inshorts, Thakur worked across several digital media and business development roles. At ESPN, he served as senior regional manager from October 2015 to October 2016, focusing on growth initiatives, strategic opportunities and video distribution.
At Times Internet, he worked for nearly three years, including as head of business development from April 2015 to September 2015 and chief manager from January 2013 to March 2015. His responsibilities included monetisation of mobile platforms, managing media and developer partnerships, and driving revenue across digital properties such as The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Earlier, he worked at Brandmovers as head of business development from June 2012 to June 2013, handling digital, mobile and social media marketing solutions, client development and strategic consulting. During this period, he also worked on advertising revenue, brand strategy and CRM-based solutions.
At Inshorts, Thakur’s role focused on revenue strategy, mobile and media partnerships, and growth initiatives across platforms. His profile highlights experience in mobile product management, digital business models, partner ecosystems and revenue expansion in high-growth environments.
