GECs
Star India looks at beefing up top brass
MUMBAI: Star India’s top management seems to be on the move. Considering the expanding business plans of the leading network, Star India is looking at infusing aditional manpower in startegic positions.
Sources close to Star India senior management told Indiantelevision.com the company is in the process of hiring heads for divisions like legal, administration and revenue management.
The sources said that the selection process is on at the moment and the new people are likely to be finalised by month-end.
In a related development, Kaushal Dalal, who was earlier EVP business development and international business, has been moved as EVP strategy ad sales. Dalal, who was earlier reporting to Nitin Atroley, president corporate affairs, will now be reporting directly to Star India COO Sameer Nair.
Another development to note is that of Will Miller, vice president sales, inventory management and operations. His contract is due to end in June. The sources indicated Miller’s contract is unlikely to be extended and that he would be floating his own consultancy firm.
Dalal will have the added responsibility of the inventory management portfolio. Vivek Dhaimade, vice-president, traffic, who was earlier reporting to Kevin Vaz, executive vice-president ad sales, will now be reporting to Dalal.
Star India, reportedly, is also on the look out for a junior management substitute to handle’s Dalal’s previous portfolio.
The industry buzz is that the person likely to head the revenue management division might be from a big FMCG company and once the appointment is completed, both Dalal and Vaz will be directly reporting to him.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
