Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has appointed Disney Star’s Gaurav Banerjee as its new Chief Executive Officer. Banerjee will join Sony in about two months. News agency Reuters has given this information quoting two people associated with this matter.
Last week, Sony Pictures Networks India MD and CEO NP Singh announced that he is going to leave his post after being associated with the company for 25 years. However, he will continue to lead until a new successor is found.
Banerjee resigns from Disney’s India unit
Reuters quoted a source in its report saying, Banerjee has resigned from Disney’s India unit. He was the content head of Disney India’s streaming service Hotstar and the business head of the company’s TV channels in Hindi-speaking markets.
Banerjee started his career in journalism
Banerjee started his career at Aaj Tak before joining Star News in 2004 as a prime-time anchor and senior producer. In 2005, he was instrumental in launching Bengali news channel Star Ananda.
In 2008 he moved to Star India to lead content strategy for the network’s regional entertainment channels. This helped the company expand into new markets with the launch of Star Jalsha in Bengal and Star Pravah in Maharashtra.
In 2009 he was appointed head of content strategy for Star Plus. After Banerjee’s arrival, hit shows like Diya Aur Baati Hum and Sasural Genda Phool helped the channel regain its leadership position in 2010. In 2013 he was promoted to the position of general manager and in 2015 he took over the leadership of the content studio.
Holds master’s degree from Jamia Millia Islamia University
Banerjee holds a master’s degree in filmmaking and TV production from the Mass Communications Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi. He completed his graduation in history from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.
Sony CEO announced his resignation last week
Last week, Sony Pictures Networks India MD and CEO NP Singh announced his resignation. He said- My commitment to SPNI and its success remains strong. During my tenure, we have set industry benchmarks, expanded our reach and achieved many achievements.
He said- I want our legacy of success to continue and move forward under new leadership. We have started a structured succession planning process for my successor. Finding the right successor is our top priority.
Sony has 16 entertainment and 10 sports channels
Sony Pictures Networks India operates television channels. It has 16 entertainment channels and 10 sports channels. In 1995, it launched its first channel in India. It also has a digital platform Sony Liv.
Sony Networks India is now renamed Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited. It is a subsidiary of Japanese company Sony Group Corporation. The company has a reach in 167 countries.
