Saina Appoints Akhil T.J. as Chief Growth Officer

MUMBAI: Saina has just turned up the volume on its growth ambitions. The Kerala-based media and entertainment powerhouse, with a legacy stretching back to 1985, has appointed Akhil T.J. as its new Chief Growth Officer. In this role, Akhil will spearhead the group’s overall revenue strategy across its fast-growing OTT platform Saina Play, extensive YouTube and digital network including Saina South Plus, Saina Music Indie, and Ludo Originals, as well as content monetisation, brand solutions, partnerships, events and IP businesses.

He will report directly to Saina Group CEO Aashiq Bava.

With over 17 years of experience spanning media, OTT, telecom, banking and automotive, Akhil brings a strong track record of scaling businesses in Kerala’s fiercely competitive regional market. His previous roles include growth leadership positions at Mazhavil Manorama, Manorama News, manoramaMAX, and Zee Keralam.

Saina boasts one of Malayalam’s largest content libraries with over 700 films, a vast music catalogue, and deep reach among audiences in Kerala, India, and the global Malayali diaspora, especially in the GCC. The group also runs popular IPs such as the Ocha Festival.

Speaking on his appointment, Akhil T.J. said, “Saina sits on a rare combination, a 40-year content legacy, one of Malayalam’s deepest film and music libraries, a fast-growing OTT in Saina Play, a strong digital network, and IPs like Ocha Festival that connect directly with audiences. The opportunity is to convert that depth into scaled commercial momentum for Saina, and for the brands that want to engage Malayali audiences in Kerala, India and the GCC.”

This strategic hire signals Saina’s aggressive push to convert its strong content foundation and digital presence into scaled revenue growth as it competes in India’s bustling regional entertainment space.