Sony Pictures Networks India unveils leadership realignment

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced a leadership realignment under a refreshed operating model to further its ambition of becoming a content-first, platform-agnostic, multi-lingual entertainment company.

The restructured model is aimed at strengthening end-to-end ownership across content, accelerating cross-platform collaboration between television channels and Sony LIV, and enabling a more unified approach to monetisation and distribution across linear and digital businesses.

Commenting on the development, Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “As we enter our next phase of growth, we have reviewed our operating model and organisational structure to ensure they are aligned with our long-term goals. We are transitioning from a predominantly linear-first approach to an integrated linear and digital strategy that delivers a seamless consumer experience across platforms. By empowering our teams with greater ownership and fostering deeper collaboration, we aim to enhance focus, agility and execution across the organisation, while reinforcing our customer-centric approach to brands and content.”

As part of the updated operating model, SPNI will empower its content clusters with end-to-end ownership spanning content strategy, programming, marketing and on-air promotions (OAP) across both linear and digital platforms. Under this structure, Nachiket Pantvaidya will lead Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Sony Marathi and Movie Production, while Ajay Bhalwankar will head Sony SAB, the Movies cluster, FTA and Infotainment channels. Rajaraman Sundaram will spearhead the company’s regional expansion in the South, and Ambesh Tiwari will lead Sony AATH along with the Kids business.

SPNI will also appoint a new Head of Digital, with details to be announced once the succession plan is finalised. In the interim, Banerjee will directly oversee the Digital vertical.

To drive a unified monetisation strategy across linear and digital platforms, SPNI will consolidate key revenue streams encompassing ad sales and distribution, sports and international business. This integrated revenue engine will be led by Rajesh Kaul in his role as Chief Revenue Officer.

As part of this realignment, Akshay Agrawal has been elevated to Head – Linear Ad Sales, while Makarand Palekar has been elevated to Head – Linear Distribution. Ranjana Mangla, who currently heads digital ad sales, will additionally lead the company’s YouTube growth strategy, and Manish Aggarwal will head Sony LIV’s B2B and syndication business. Agrawal, Palekar, Mangla and Aggarwal will report to Kaul under the new operating model.

In other 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, headed by Manu Wadhwa, Chief Human Resources Officer.