Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) Announces CEO Transition

Mumbai, 24 June 2024: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), a leading force in the entertainment industry, proudly 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. 

Expressing his enthusiasm, Gaurav Banerjee, a seasoned professional in the entertainment industry with a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future, stated, “I am deeply honoured 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.”

N.P. Singh, who with this appointment will move into the role of Non-Executive Chairman to support this transition through the end of the fiscal year, reflecting on the transition, remarked, “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 in 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, saying, “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.”

Profiling Gaurav Banerjee: 

With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Gaurav Banerjee brings a wealth of experience in content creation and strategic leadership. He previously held the positions of Head of Content for Hindi Entertainment & Disney+ Hotstar and Business Head for Star Bharat, Hindi & English Movies, Kids & Infotainment, and Regional (East). In these roles, Gaurav not only oversaw content curation across multiple languages but also spearheaded original series and films that resonated deeply with diverse audiences, earning him a reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking leader.

Gaurav’s 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. He was vital 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 started as an assistant producer and anchor at Aaj Tak. From there he moved to Star News, where he started producing and anchoring Prime Time News shows. Gaurav holds a master’s degree in filmmaking and T.V. production from Jamia Milia Islamia University and an undergraduate in history from St. Stephens, Delhi.

About Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited (formerly known as Sony Pictures Networks India):

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 has several channels including Sony Entertainment Television (SET and SET HD), one of India’s leading Hindi general entertainment television channels; Sony MAX, India’s premium Hindi movies and special events channel; Sony MAX 2, another Hindi movie channel showcasing great India Cinema; Sony MAX HD, a high definition Hindi movie channel airing premium quality films; Sony WAH, the Hindi movies channel for rural markets; Sony SAB and Sony SAB HD the family-oriented Hindi entertainment channels; Sony PAL, a genre leader in rural Hindi speaking markets (HSM) showcasing the best of Hindi general entertainment and Hindi movies from its content library; Sony PIX and Sony PIX HD, Sony BBC Earth and Sony BBC Earth H.D., the premium factual entertainment channels, Sony AATH, the Bangla entertainment channel; Sony YAY!, the kids entertainment channel; Sony Sports Network – Sony Sports Ten 1,  Sony Sports Ten 1 HD, Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD, Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 3 HD, Sony Sports Ten 4, Sony Sports Ten 4 HD, Sony Sports Ten 5, Sony Sports Ten 5 H.D.; Sony Marathi, the Marathi general entertainment channel; Sony LIV – the digital entertainment VOD platform and Studio NEXT the independent production venture for original content and I.P.s for T.V. and digital media. The company reaches out to over 700 million viewers in India and is available in 167 countries. 

The company is recognised as an employer of choice within and outside the media industry. It is a recipient of several awards, including India’s Best Companies to Work For 2021 by the Great Place to Work® Institute, India, ‘Aon Best Employers India’ awards in recognition of the company’s unique workplace culture and exceptional people practices, consistently ranking amongst India’s Top 10 Companies with Best Health & Wellness Practices by SHRM & CGP Partners and listed by Working Mother & AVTAR as one of the 100 Best Companies for Women in India. 

The company is in its 28th year of operations in India. In addition to its overseas subsidiaries, it has a subsidiary, MSM-Worldwide Factual Media Private Limited, and an affiliate, Bangla Entertainment Private Limited, in India.

For more information, log onto www.sonypicturesnetworks.com