Sony Pictures Networks India has reorganized its leadership team to support its evolution into a content-driven, multilingual entertainment company that treats all distribution platforms equally.
The Mumbai-based broadcaster announced the changes on Friday, explaining that the reorganization will remove operational barriers between the television network and the SonyLIV streaming platform, while giving each team full control over their content portfolio. The goal is to create a more consistent business approach that treats linear and digital distribution as equally important revenue channels.
Under the new structure, four executives will be responsible for separate content portfolios, and each will be responsible for all aspects of channel operations, including creative development, scheduling, audience engagement efforts, and promotional efforts across both broadcast and streaming. Nachiket Pantvaidya currently runs Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Marathi and the company’s film production division. Ajay Balwankar oversees Sony SAB, a portfolio of movie channels, free-to-air and fact-based programming. Rajaraman Sundaram is tasked with growing the station’s presence in southern India, while Ambesh Tiwari manages Sony AATH and children’s programming.
SPNI plans to hire an external candidate to run its streaming operations, but the company has not yet finalized the selection. Until the appointment is made, Banerjee will personally manage the digital division. Denmark Kahn, head of business for SonyLIV and production unit Studio NXT, will leave SPNI next month.
On the commercial side, the station brings together various revenue streams under one executive, including advertising, freight, sports rights and overseas licenses. As chief revenue officer, Rajesh Kaur will manage a team that includes four newly promoted lieutenants. Currently, Akshay Agrawal is in charge of TV advertising sales and Makarand Palekar is in charge of distribution contracts with cable and satellite broadcasters. Ranjana Mangla, who has so far focused solely on streaming advertising, will now also develop the company’s YouTube channel strategy. Manish Aggarwal oversees SonyLIV’s intercompany transactions and content licensing. All four report directly to Kaul.
In the corporate sector, Gaurav Laghate is responsible for external communications, brand management and public relations. Meanwhile, office management and facility operations have been transferred to the direction of Chief Human Resources Officer Manu Wadhwa.
Gaurav Banerjee, MD and CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India, said: “As we look to our next phase of growth, we have revised our operating model and organizational structure to best support our goals. “We are redefining our approach to a linear, digital approach that delivers a seamless consumer experience across the entire organization. By strengthening team ownership and driving deeper collaboration, we are increasing focus, agility, and execution across the organization, and empowering execution across the organization.” A customer-centric approach across brand and content. ”
Sony Pictures Networks India operates a portfolio of 28 television channels available in standard and high definition, reaching more than 700 million viewers locally while distributing content to more than 150 countries. The company functions as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Japan’s Sony Group Corporation.
