Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) announces the appointment of Gaurav Banerjee as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective on or before August 26, 2024, pending regulatory approvals. Gaurav Banerjee will succeed N.P. Singh, who has led SPNI to unprecedented heights over his remarkable 25-year tenure, the network said in a press release.

Gaurav Banerjee brings over two decades of experience in content creation and strategic leadership to his new role. He previously served as Head of Content for Hindi Entertainment & Disney+ Hotstar and Business Head for Star Bharat, Hindi & English Movies, Kids & Infotainment, and Regional (East).

His 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. Banerjee was instrumental in producing award-winning streaming originals such as the Emmy-nominated Aarya, Special Ops, The Freelancer, and The Night Manager for Disney+ Hotstar.

Gaurav’s media journey began as an assistant producer and anchor at Aaj Tak, later moving to Star News to produce and anchor prime-time news shows. He holds a master’s degree in filmmaking and TV production from Jamia Millia Islamia University and an undergraduate degree in history from St. Stephens College, Delhi.

Gaurav Banerjee, a seasoned professional in the entertainment industry with extensive experience and a robust vision for the future, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, “I am deeply honored to take on the role of MD & CEO at SPNI, under N.P. 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,” said Banerjee.

N.P. Singh, who will transition to the role of Non-Executive Chairman to support this change through the end of the fiscal year, reflected on his tenure and the future and 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 on 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 & COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, commented on the appointment and said, “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.”

Sony Pictures Networks India is the consumer-facing identity of Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, Japan.

The company offers a vast portfolio of channels including Sony Entertainment Television (SET and SET HD), Sony MAX, Sony MAX 2, Sony MAX HD, Sony WAH, Sony SAB, Sony SAB HD, Sony PAL, Sony PIX, Sony PIX HD, Sony BBC Earth, Sony BBC Earth HD, Sony AATH, Sony YAY!, and the Sony Sports Network. It also operates Sony LIV, a digital entertainment VOD platform, and Studio NEXT, an independent production venture for original content.

SPNI reaches over 700 million viewers in India and is available in 167 countries. The company is recognized as an employer of choice, receiving accolades such as India’s Best Companies to Work For 2021 by the Great Place to Work® Institute, and consistently ranking among India’s top companies for health and wellness practices.