Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced a leadership realignment under a revised operating model, as the company moves towards a content-first, platform-agnostic and multi-lingual approach.
Under the new structure, SPNI will provide its content clusters with end-to-end ownership across content strategy, programming, marketing and on-air promotions (OAP) for both linear and digital platforms. The company said the changes are intended to strengthen coordination between its television channels and Sony LIV, and support a unified approach to monetisation and distribution across linear and digital businesses.
Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “As we look ahead to our next phase of growth, we have reviewed our operating model and organisational structure to ensure they best support our goals. We are redefining our content strategy from a largely linear-first to a linear and digital approach that delivers seamless consumer experience across platforms. By empowering our teams with greater ownership and driving deeper collaboration, we will improve focus, agility, and execution across the organisation, while strengthening our customer-centric approach across brand and content.”
As part of the updated model, the following leadership responsibilities have been assigned across content clusters:
- Nachiket Pantvaidya will lead Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Sony Marathi, and Movie Production.
- Ajay Bhalwankar will lead Sony SAB, Movies cluster, FTA, and Infotainment channels.
- Rajaraman Sundaram will lead the company’s regional expansion into the South.
- Ambesh Tiwari will lead Sony AATH, alongside the Kids business.
SPNI will appoint a new head for its Digital business. The company said details will be announced once the succession plan is finalised. In the interim, Gaurav Banerjee will provide direct oversight of the Digital vertical.
To align monetisation across linear and digital platforms, SPNI will consolidate its revenue streams covering ad sales, distribution, sports and international business. This integrated revenue function will be led by Rajesh Kaul as Chief Revenue Officer.
As part of this structure:
- Akshay Agrawal has been elevated as Head – Linear Ad Sales.
- Makarand Palekar has been elevated as Head – Linear Distribution.
- Ranjana Mangla, who currently heads digital ad sales, will also oversee the company’s YouTube growth strategy.
- Manish Aggarwal will lead Sony LIV’s B2B and syndication business.
Akshay Agrawal, Makarand Palekar, Ranjana Mangla and Manish Aggarwal will report to Rajesh Kaul.
In support functions, Gaurav Laghate will lead external relations as Head – Corporate Brand, PR and Corporate Communications. Administration and Facilities will be aligned with Human Resources, which is headed by Manu Wadhwa, CHRO.
