iWorld
Loco elevates Firasat Durrani, Chetan Dhembre to co-founders
Mumbai: Esports and live game streaming platform Loco on Thursday announced the elevation of Firasat Durrani, currently VP of operations, and Chetan Dhembre, currently CTO, to co-founders of the company. By bolstering its core leadership, Loco is aiming to consolidate its position in the gaming ecosystem and provide the Indian gaming community with cutting-edge products and services.
Durrani, who joined Loco in 2020 when it launched its live streaming platform, has been leading Loco’s content supply and operations functions, from creator and content acquisition to publisher partnerships. Meanwhile, Dhembre, who came on board in 2018, has built Loco’s best-in-class engineering team, which has designed and delivered a product for Loco’s users.
Durrani said, “New beginnings are always exciting, and I am elated and honoured to step into this new role as co-founder at Loco. Loco has come a long way in the last two years, from humble beginnings to becoming the world’s leading independent esports and live streaming platform today. Having witnessed this incredible transition firsthand, I am confident that our amazing team will continue to be trailblazers as we move forward, leading and pushing the boundaries of gaming entertainment. With many exciting new developments in the pipeline, I look forward to what 2023 has in store for us.”
Dhembre said, “Having been part of Loco for over half a decade, I am honoured to be named the co-founder. I am proud of what we have achieved so far and am excited for the future. Loco has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the most sought-after tech companies in the esports and live streaming spaces. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce cutting-edge technology and even more features on the platform for an effortless and unified user experience. With one of the most talented product and technology teams in the country, we are well-equipped to tackle any challenges that come our way.”
Loco founders Anirudh Pandita and Ashwin Suresh said, “We are delighted to welcome Firasat and Chetan as co-founders of Loco. With their wealth of knowledge, expertise, and extensive experience in their respective fields, 2023 will be an exciting time for the company. Their continued contribution has been integral to Loco’s growth. We are confident that in their new roles, they will be instrumental in taking Loco to the pinnacle of the esports and gaming streaming entertainment industries worldwide. These appointments demonstrate Loco’s commitment to investing in and strengthening its leadership team and provide a promising foundation for its journey ahead.”
iWorld
Warner Chappell Music launches India ops, Jay Mehta to lead unit
WMG shifts to direct model, unifying publishing and recorded music
MUMBAI: Warner Chappell Music has officially launched direct operations in India, marking a strategic shift by parent Warner Music Group to deepen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets.
The move replaces the company’s earlier sub-publishing model with a full-fledged, on-ground operation, aimed at giving Indian songwriters stronger access to global networks, rights management tools, and creative infrastructure.
To lead the push, Jay Mehta has been handed an expanded mandate. Already serving as managing director of Warner Music India, Mehta will now oversee both recorded music and publishing across India and neighbouring South Asian markets, effectively bringing the two sides of the business under one roof.
The unified structure is designed to streamline how artists and songwriters work with the company, offering a more integrated ecosystem that spans compositions, recordings, and global distribution.
Warner Music Group managing director, recorded music and publishing, India and SAARC Jay Mehta said, “India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity.”
The timing is no coincidence. According to CISAC, creator collections in India jumped 42 per cent year-on-year to Rs 7 billion in 2024, while IFPI ranks India as the 15th largest recorded music market globally. At the same time, the industry is undergoing a structural shift, with independent and non-film music gaining ground over traditional Bollywood soundtracks.
Warner’s bet is that a direct presence will help it capture this changing dynamic. The company is also offering India-based creators access to its proprietary tools, including AI-powered royalty matching systems and real-time analytics platforms, aimed at improving transparency and earnings visibility.
Warner Chappell Music co-chair and CEO Guy Moot said the move is about shaping a publishing ecosystem that “works for creators and ensures their music is heard, protected, and rewarded everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl underlined India’s importance to the company’s global strategy, noting that the new structure creates a “unified powerhouse” for both creators and audiences.
With local studios, global reach, and tighter integration across its business lines, Warner is clearly doubling down on India. And as streaming habits evolve and independent music rises, the company is positioning itself to be not just a participant, but a key architect of the country’s next music chapter.
