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Sony Pictures Networks India names Rajesh Kaul CRO in wider leadership reset
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has unveiled a sweeping leadership realignment as it sharpens its ambition to become a content-first, platform-agnostic and multi-lingual entertainment company, tightening ownership across content and revenue as viewing shifts across screens.
The rejig introduces a refreshed operating model designed to speed up cross-platform collaboration across television channels and Sony LIV, while creating a more unified approach to monetisation and distribution across linear and digital businesses.
Sony Pictures Networks India managing director and CEO Gaurav Banerjee said the company was moving from a largely linear-first mindset to an integrated linear-and-digital strategy aimed at delivering a seamless consumer experience. He said greater end-to-end ownership and deeper collaboration would improve agility, execution and customer focus.
Under the new structure, SPNI’s content clusters will have full responsibility for content strategy, programming, marketing and on-air promotions across platforms. Nachiket Pantvaidya will lead Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Marathi and movie production, while Ajay Bhalwankar will head Sony Sab, the movies cluster, free-to-air and infotainment channels. Rajaraman Sundaram will drive regional expansion in southern India, and Ambesh Tiwari will lead Sony Aath alongside the kids business.
The company will appoint a new head for its digital business in due course. Until then, Banerjee will directly oversee the digital vertical.
To align monetisation across platforms, Sony has consolidated ad sales, distribution, sports and international business into a single revenue engine under Rajesh Kaul, who has been named chief revenue officer. Akshay Agrawal has been elevated as head of linear ad sales, Makarand Palekar as head of linear distribution, while Ranjana Mangla, who leads digital ad sales, will also oversee the company’s YouTube growth strategy. Manish Aggarwal will head Sony Liv’s B2B and syndication business. All will report to Kaul.
In support functions, Gaurav Laghate will head corporate brand, public relations and corporate communications, while administration and facilities will move under human resources, led by Manu Wadhwa.
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.
