Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced a leadership realignment as part of a refreshed operating model aimed at advancing its vision to operate as a content-first, platform-agnostic, multi-lingual entertainment company.
The changes are intended to strengthen end-to-end ownership across content and improve collaboration across television channels and Sony LIV, enabling a more integrated approach to monetisation and distribution across linear and digital businesses.
As part of the updated operating model, SPNI will assign end-to-end ownership to its content clusters across content strategy, programming, marketing, and on-air promotions for both linear and digital platforms. Nachiket Pantvaidya will lead Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Marathi, and Movie Production, while Ajay Bhalwankar will head Sony SAB, the Movies cluster, FTA, and Infotainment channels. Rajaraman Sundaram will oversee the company’s regional expansion in the South, and Ambesh Tiwari will lead Sony AATH along with the Kids business.
SPNI will appoint a new head for its Digital business, with details to be announced once the succession plan is finalised. In the interim, the Digital vertical will remain under the direct oversight of Gaurav Banerjee.
To implement a unified monetisation structure across linear and digital platforms, SPNI will consolidate key revenue streams spanning ad sales and distribution, sports, and international business. This consolidated revenue function will be led by Rajesh Kaul as Chief Revenue Officer.
Under the revised structure, Akshay Agrawal has been elevated as Head – Linear Ad Sales, while Makarand Palekar has been elevated as Head – Linear Distribution. Ranjana Mangla, who currently leads digital ad sales, will also oversee the company’s YouTube growth strategy, and Manish Aggarwal will head 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, Chief Human Resources Officer.
Gaurav Banerjee, MD and 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.”
