OML Entertainment, a cultural and creative powerhouse in branded content, advertising and entertainment space, has elevated its Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tusharr Kumar to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as Gunjan Arya has decided to part ways from the company.
Arya’s decision to quit OML Entertainment comes after a more than nine year long stint at the company. She had joined OML Entertainment in August 2015 as Business Head- Brand Solutions, served the role of Managing Partner at the company from October 2017 to December 2019 and took over the company’s reins as CEO in December 2019.
Bringing over 15 years of experience across new-media, automotive and FMCG industries with him, Kumar, has been associated with OML Entertainment since 2012 in various capacities. And in his new role as CEO, he will ensure the company’s growth across businesses and markets including advertising, artist representation, creator tech, and long-form content businesses.
Serving as OML Entertainment’s COO since 2022, Kumar has been responsible for overseeing the company’s operations, spearheading initiatives that have further strengthened the company’s position as one of India’s largest independent branded content, advertising and entertainment companies.
Prior to this, he also worked with OLA Electric from September 2021 to April 2022 after calling it quits at OML Entertainment after a three year long stint wherein he served as VP- Global Creator Network from November 2018 and was elevated to the role of SVP- Global Creator Network in April 2020.
Before that, Kumar was also associated with Royal Enfield, Ducati India, Parle Agro, Shivangani, Tata Steel, Concept Today, Viacom 18 and more.
With this development in place, OML Entertainment’s key focus areas going forward will include expanding its fast-growing advertising and branded content businesses, doubling down on its long-form original content productions, and driving the global growth of its influencer marketing platform, Hypothesis, as it continues to build on the company’s mission of bringing creators’ stories to life and innovating at the intersection of entertainment and technology.
Over the last few years, OML Entertainment has strategically streamlined and consolidated various businesses to arrive at the company’s focus areas of creator tech, artist representation, advertising, and long-form content production. This flywheel is the perfect mix of independent yet symbiotic businesses that feed into each other’s growth.
That being said, under the leadership of its outgoing Chief- Arya, OML Entertainment transformed into a leading global player in digital media and entertainment; witnessed two successful businesses spun out to merge with strategic partners; expanded the company’s international footprint to 20 countries; and launched Hypothesis the global influencer marketing tech platform, among significant growth milestones.
In her over nine years long stint at the company, she was primarily focused on expanding the company’s key leadership across branded services verticals, original content studio and tech-enabled influencer marketing, resulting in the creation of successful shows, new IPs and partnerships with top artists and brands.
And prior to joining OML, Arya served as Founder of Design Of Information from January 2009 to July 2016, Brand Consultant at chlorophyll from March 2006 to January 2009 and was also associated with Ogilvy & Mather in Client Servicing in 2005.
In the past, she also worked with Arnold Worldwide and Emerson College Digital Production Labs.
Speaking about his new role, Kumar, CEO, OML Entertainment, said, “I’m really excited about what the future holds for OML Entertainment and am confident that the upward trajectory we’ve been on will continue. This confidence comes from our biggest asset, our incredible teams along with trusted partnerships with artists, clients and investors. We have always been at the forefront of creativity and cultural innovation. I’m looking forward to leading OML Entertainment as we push boundaries and build on the solid foundation laid by Gunjan. As we build what we’ve dreamed of, we will continue to ask ourselves – are we shaping culture? Are we bringing voices to life? Most importantly, are we creating and not just following?”
To this, Rajesh Kamat, Managing Director, Emerald Media and Investor in OML Entertainment, added, “Tusharr’s elevation to CEO is a testament to his exceptional leadership and his unwavering commitment to excellence. Under his guidance, OML Entertainment has achieved remarkable milestones, and I have no doubt that he will continue to build on this momentum. Tusharr’s vision for OML Entertainment aligns perfectly with our goals as investors, and we are thrilled to support him as he leads the company to new heights.”
