MAM
Sony tunes into new voice with Gaurav Laghate as comms head
MUMBAI: When the newsroom meets the boardroom, sparks are bound to fly. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has tapped journalist-turned-communications strategist Gaurav Laghate as its new head of PR and corporate communications, effective September 2025.
Reporting directly to Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO of SPNI, Laghate will be tasked with steering the company’s communications blueprint shaping narratives, sharpening reputation, and strengthening engagement with stakeholders across its diverse media businesses.
Armed with 17 years of newsroom experience, Laghate is no stranger to storytelling at scale. Until recently, he was senior editor and head of the consumer bureau at Mint, where he became one of India’s most authoritative voices on the media and entertainment sector. His portfolio spanned linear TV, OTT platforms, advertising, and regulatory affairs, making him a familiar face across the industry’s power corridors.
From tracking the rise of streaming wars to decoding regulatory shake-ups, Laghate built a reputation for analytical accuracy, deep domain knowledge, and sharp editorial instincts. He began his career at indiantelevision.com and is prized for analytical rigour and a contact book that spans studios, regulators and agencies. Now, he crosses over to the corporate side, bringing with him the credibility of journalism and the strategic perspective needed to shape SPNI’s narrative in a fast-evolving media landscape.
For SPNI, the appointment underscores a renewed push to build authentic storytelling and stakeholder trust as it eyes its next growth chapter in India’s hyper-competitive content market.
Welcoming him onboard, Gaurav Banerjee said: “Gaurav’s deep domain knowledge and strategic perspective make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. His transition from a journalist to a communications leader will bring a unique perspective on how we shape our narrative and engage with multiple stakeholders. We are excited to have him onboard as we aim to strengthen our position as a leading content powerhouse.”
With the shift from penning headlines to making them, Laghate now faces the challenge of ensuring Sony’s stories resonate not just with viewers, but with every corner of the media and entertainment ecosystem. And if his track record is any indicator, this will be one headline worth watching.
Brands
KKR sixes to power EV charger rollout under VIDA campaign
Cricket meets clean mobility as big hits spark India’s charging growth
NEW DELHI: VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, has teamed up with Kolkata Knight Riders to launch a campaign that turns cricketing flair into real-world impact.
Titled ‘6 for 6’, the initiative promises to install a 6kW fast EV charger for every six hit by KKR during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The idea is simple but powerful, as each big hit on the field contributes directly to expanding India’s fast-charging infrastructure.
The campaign builds on VIDA’s growing network, which already spans over 5,300 fast-charging points across more than 430 cities. With EV adoption gaining pace, the brand is using cricket’s mass appeal to accelerate both awareness and infrastructure growth.
Explaining the thinking behind the move, Hero MotoCorp emerging mobility business unit chief business officer Kausalya Nandakumar said, “Cricket has an incredible ability to unite and inspire millions across the country. With the ‘6 for 6’ campaign, we are turning every big hit on the field into a step towards a cleaner and a more accessible mobility future.”
She added that VIDA’s expanding fast-charging network and removable battery technology are designed to make EV ownership more convenient and practical for everyday users.
From the franchise’s side, the campaign is also about giving on-field moments a larger purpose. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive officer Venky Mysore said, “The ‘6 for 6’ campaign exemplifies the potential of sport as a platform for meaningful, real-world impact. By linking every six to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, this partnership transforms fan excitement into tangible progress.”
As part of the rollout, VIDA has introduced co-branded charging stations in KKR’s signature colours, with a flagship installation unveiled alongside team players. The chargers are designed for quick top-ups, powering VIDA scooters from zero to 80 percent in about an hour, while also being positioned along key highways to support longer journeys.
The initiative also taps into VIDA’s removable battery system, which allows users to charge using standard household plug points, adding flexibility to the charging ecosystem.
By blending the thrill of cricket with the urgency of clean mobility, VIDA and KKR have found a neat way to make every six count twice, once on the scoreboard and again on India’s road to an electric future.
