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Zeel reappoints Punit Goenka as MD & CEO, eyes future growth
MUMBAI: Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.’ Embracing this ethos, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel) reappointed Punit Goenka as MD & chief executive officer, reaffirming its commitment to leadership stability and growth.
With more than 25 years in the media industry, Goenka is set to lead the company for another five years, from 1 January 2025, to 31 December 2029, focusing on content quality and profitability. The board of directors’ approval on 18 October 2024, marks a strategic move to ensure continuity and enhance shareholder value.
The announcement comes amidst Zeel’s ongoing transformation, with Goenka leading initiatives aimed at optimising operations and driving content excellence. Under his stewardship, the company achieved significant growth, expanding its footprint to over 1.3 billion viewers across 190+ countries. Zeel has become a diversified entertainment powerhouse, with strong positions in broadcasting, digital streaming, films, and music.
“We are confident that Punit’s vision and leadership will continue to drive Zee forward,” stated a company spokesperson. “His ability to identify growth opportunities and strengthen Zee’s market presence has been instrumental in our success.”
Goenka’s reappointment comes as ZeeL pursues a strategic growth plan focusing on frugality, optimisation, and content quality. In recent years, the company streamlined its operations into four main segments: broadcast, digital, movies, and music. By realigning its organisational structure, Goenka aims to boost productivity, promote cross-functional collaboration, and enhance profitability.
His emphasis on efficiency extends to resource utilisation, with recent measures leading to a significant improvement in the company’s EBITDA margins. In the first half of FY25, Zeel, reported a year-over-year increase of 330 basis points in its EBITDA margin, highlighting the impact of effective cost management and strategic content investments.
Goenka’s leadership has also guided the company through multiple industry accolades, including the broadcaster of the year award and recognition for treasury transformation initiatives. He has been a proactive figure in the entertainment ecosystem, contributing to regulatory and industry bodies such as the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) and the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC).
Looking ahead, Goenka plans to deepen Zeel’s content creation capabilities, focusing on delivering top-tier entertainment that resonates with diverse audiences.
“We are committed to creating stories that not only entertain but also drive positive societal change,” he said. Goenka’s strategy also includes furthering the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts, which have recently centred on sustainable development and social impact projects.
Zeel has made strides in mapping its ESG footprint, implementing programs for women empowerment, heritage preservation, and rural development. Under Goenka’s guidance, the company aims to reduce its environmental impact while enhancing governance practices through stakeholder collaboration.
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.
