Sahil Shetty moves on from his role as CRO, Business News Cluster, at News18 Studio

Sahil Shetty has stepped down from his role as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Business News Cluster, News18 Studio at Network18 Media & Investments Limited, sources familiar with the development have confirmed.

When contacted by exchange4media (e4m), Shetty denied the development in a written response, stating that he was “very much here.” However, multiple sources indicate that he is currently serving his notice period and is expected to exit the organisation in the coming weeks.

Shetty has been one of the key commercial leaders within Network18’s digital and studio ecosystem over the years, playing a central role in shaping revenue strategy, driving branded content growth and strengthening digital monetisation across the group’s business news properties. He was elevated to the CRO role in June 2024, taking charge of revenue leadership for News18 Studio’s business news cluster at a time when media companies were increasingly focusing on studio-led branded content, large-format partnerships and content-commerce integrations.

His impending exit is seen as significant, given the strategic importance of News18 Studio’s business news cluster within the Network18 ecosystem, particularly in building premium business content offerings, high-value advertiser relationships and integrated brand solutions.

Prior to becoming CRO, Shetty served as National Head, Digital Revenue & Strategy from June 2022 to July 2024, and earlier as National Head, Digital Revenue between March 2020 and March 2022. He also held regional leadership responsibilities as West & South Head, Digital from February 2019 to March 2020. During his tenure, he was closely associated with strengthening Network18’s digital monetisation engine through evolving advertising models, performance-led revenue strategies and integrated sales structures.

Before joining Network18, Shetty was with Bennett, Coleman and Co. Ltd. (Times Group), where he managed IP-led revenue across multiple regions, including North & East and West & South. Earlier in his career, he worked in the UK with organisations such as Barclays UK Retail & Business Bank, Vodafone UK and Accenture UK, gaining experience across operations, process management and strategic delivery.

While Shetty has denied his exit when approached, several sources maintain that the move is already in motion. Last week, e4m had reported on Avinash Kaul’s exit from Network18; however, sources clarify that Shetty had resigned prior to Kaul and that the two developments are unrelated.

Shetty’s next professional move is not yet known. In recent months, Network18 has seen multiple senior leadership changes. While some executives, such as Mitul Sangani, were initially set to move on but were later retained by the top management, sources suggest that a similar outcome is unlikely in Shetty’s case.