Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced a series of leadership changes, affecting key positions across its entertainment channels.
Nachiket Pantvaidya, a veteran media executive who previously worked at Star TV and Balaji Telefilms, has been appointed as Business Head, Sony Entertainment Television (SET). This is Pantvaidya’s third stint with SPNI. He will retain his current role as Managing Director at Sony Pictures International Productions, allowing him to leverage his experience across both platforms.
Tushar Shah, who is currently the Business Head of English, Bengali and Media Entertainment Channels and Head of Marketing at SPNI, will expand his mandate to oversee Sony MAX, Sony MAX HD, Sony MAX 2, Sony WAH and Sony PAL channels. Shah, who has been with SPNI for nearly 18 years across two stints, has been instrumental in driving growth and profitability for the channels under his watch.
Ajay Bhalwankar, who has been with SPNI since 2014 and currently heads the company’s Marathi channel, will take on additional responsibilities as Business Head, Sony SAB. Under Bhalwankar’s leadership, Sony Marathi has seen growth and now holds a 9% share in the Marathi GEC market.
The appointments come at a time when SPNI, which now operates under the corporate identity of Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited, has seen some major changes at the top. Former Disney India executive Jarav Banerjee is taking over as MD and CEO this month. Banerjee will take over from NP Singh, who is stepping down after 25 years at the company. Singh will take on the role of non-executive chairman to support the transition till the end of the financial year.
SPNI, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation in Japan, boasts a diverse range of channels covering different genres and languages. The company claims to reach over 700 million viewers in India and is available in 167 countries.
