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.