Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has appointed Disney Star’s Gaurav Banerjee as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective on or before August 26, 2024, pending regulatory approvals.
Banerjee will succeed NP Singh, who has decided to moved on from his role as MD and CEO. Singh will now move into the role of Non-Executive Chairman to support this transition through the end of the fiscal year.
Banerjee has moved on from his roles at Disney’s India unit, where he was serving as the Head – Content (Hindi Entertainment and Disney+ Hotstar) and Business Head – Star Bharat, Hindi and English Movies, Kids and Infotainment and Regional (East).
In these roles, he oversaw content curation across multiple languages and spearheaded original series and films.
As per SPNI, Banerjee’s strategic vision and innovative approach consistently positioned top shows like Anupama, Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein, and Imlie at the forefront of viewership ratings. He was vital in producing award-winning streaming originals such as the Emmy-nominated Aarya, Special Ops, The Freelancer, and The Night Manager for Disney+ Hotstar.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Banerjee said, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of MD & CEO at SPNI. Under NP Singh’s remarkable leadership, SPNI has achieved tremendous success and innovation in the entertainment industry. I am excited to lead talented teams as we explore new frontiers in original programming, enhance our viewers’ experiences, drive our distribution footprint across India, and significantly boost our revenues. Together, we will set new benchmarks in entertainment and deliver exceptional value to our audiences and stakeholders.”
Singh said, “I am immensely proud of the success and innovation SPNI has achieved. I am confident that Gaurav will elevate SPNI’s impressive portfolio to new heights. His visionary approach will undoubtedly continue our legacy of excellence and creativity. I look forward to supporting him and our talented team as we further our impact in content creation, audience engagement, and digital media initiatives. And most importantly, I would like to thank the entire SPNI team for being the fulcrum of our growth and success.”
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and President and COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, commented on the appointment, saying, “N.P. Singh’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping SPNI into the powerhouse it is today. I am confident that Gaurav Banerjee, with his proven track record and visionary approach, will continue to drive SPNI’s success. Gaurav’s expertise in content creation and strategic leadership will undoubtedly lead SPNI into an exciting new chapter of growth and achievement. We are thrilled to have him at the helm and look forward to the continued success of SPNI under his leadership.”
