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Network18 Digital appoints new leadership team for general news, branded content business
Mumbai: Network18 has announced key appointments for its digital arm – Network18 Digital. According to a statement, the media company is putting in place an experienced team for branded content vertical with strategic additions at both national and regional levels.
Shobit Bhargava has joined Network18 Digital as national sales head for general news cluster. Bhargava has earlier worked with prominent brands including Times Group, Vodafone, ICICI Bank, Sify, and ITC. At Times Group, he was instrumental in turning around the technology vertical, making it the fastest-growing vertical fuelled by ‘branded content.’
He will report to Network18 Digital chief operating officer for branded content, revenue management S Shivakumar.
Sonali Melmane has been appointed as the regional head (West). With over 13 years of experience, she has worked with companies like Star Sports, Times of India, and Standard Chartered Bank. In her previous role with Star Sports, she was responsible for sales and brand solutions across various sporting events like cricket, domestic leagues, and international sports.
Gunjan Mann has been roped in as the regional head (North). She has been a media marketing professional with over 16 years of experience spread across publishers and agencies. She started her career with experiential marketing and over the years has transitioned into selling space and IPs. She has worked in organisations like Times of India, GroupM, DDB Mudra, and exchange4media.
Sasi Venkatesh has joined as the regional head (South). With over two decades of experience, Venkatesh is an accomplished sales and marketing professional. Till recently, he was leading the ad solutions business for The Times of India, Bangalore managing key business verticals such as e-business, retail, automobiles, and interior decor. Prior to his stint with ToI, he had worked with organizations like Flipkart Ads, UFO Digital Cinema, and Radio Mirchi.
All the regional heads will report to Bhargava, said the company in a statement.
Aneesha Ranjan, who has been leading the North region has been moved to a central strategy role, wherein she will directly work with Shivakumar.
“Branded content has emerged as a strong focus area for us. In the last few months, we have seen this vertical grow rapidly,” said S Shivakumar. “Keeping the future potential in mind, we are putting in place an experienced leadership team across regions. This vertical will continue to expand as Network18 Digital strives to produce path-breaking and innovative work for its clients to drive unparalleled RoI.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
