Sony Pictures Networks India redraws leadership structure to drive TV, digital content integration
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has restructured its leadership and operating model to align television and digital under a single content and monetisation strategy, marking a shift away from a linear-first approach as the company prepares for its next phase of growth.
The company has realigned its leadership team to support the transition from a linear-first model to an integrated linear and digital content strategy, with sharper ownership across content and a consolidated revenue structure.
The revised operating model is aimed at improving coordination across television channels and SonyLIV, while enabling a unified approach to monetisation and distribution.
Under the new structure, content clusters will have end-to-end responsibility across strategy, programming, marketing, and on-air promotions for both linear and digital platforms. Nachiket Pantvaidya will lead Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Marathi, and movie production, while Ajay Bhalwankar will head Sony SAB, the movies cluster, free-to-air, and infotainment channels. Rajaraman Sundaram will drive the company’s expansion in the South, and Ambesh Tiwari will oversee Sony AATH and the kids business.
The company will appoint a new head for its digital business, with Banerjee providing interim oversight. Danish Khan, the head of SonyLIV, has recently quit and will remain with the company until March to support the transition.
Revenue functions across ad sales, distribution, sports, and international business have been consolidated under Chief Revenue Officer Rajesh Kaul. Akshay Agrawal and Makarand Palekar have been elevated to lead linear ad sales and distribution, respectively, while Ranjana Mangla and Manish Aggarwal will handle expanded digital-focused mandates.
“As we look ahead to our next phase of growth, we have reviewed our operating model and organisational structure to ensure they best support our goals. We are redefining our content strategy from a largely linear-first to a linear and digital approach that delivers a seamless consumer experience across platforms. By empowering our teams with greater ownership and driving deeper collaboration, we will improve focus, agility, and execution across the organisation, while strengthening our customer-centric approach across brand and content,” said Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India.
Apart from the change in operating model and leadership realignment, the company is also in the process of initiating cost-cutting measures, including laying off over 100 employees, multiple sources privy to the development said.
The company has realigned its leadership team to support the transition from a linear-first model to an integrated linear and digital content strategy, with sharper ownership across content and a consolidated revenue structure.
The revised operating model is aimed at improving coordination across television channels and SonyLIV, while enabling a unified approach to monetisation and distribution.
Under the new structure, content clusters will have end-to-end responsibility across strategy, programming, marketing, and on-air promotions for both linear and digital platforms. Nachiket Pantvaidya will lead Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Marathi, and movie production, while Ajay Bhalwankar will head Sony SAB, the movies cluster, free-to-air, and infotainment channels. Rajaraman Sundaram will drive the company’s expansion in the South, and Ambesh Tiwari will oversee Sony AATH and the kids business.
The company will appoint a new head for its digital business, with Banerjee providing interim oversight. Danish Khan, the head of SonyLIV, has recently quit and will remain with the company until March to support the transition.
Revenue functions across ad sales, distribution, sports, and international business have been consolidated under Chief Revenue Officer Rajesh Kaul. Akshay Agrawal and Makarand Palekar have been elevated to lead linear ad sales and distribution, respectively, while Ranjana Mangla and Manish Aggarwal will handle expanded digital-focused mandates.
“As we look ahead to our next phase of growth, we have reviewed our operating model and organisational structure to ensure they best support our goals. We are redefining our content strategy from a largely linear-first to a linear and digital approach that delivers a seamless consumer experience across platforms. By empowering our teams with greater ownership and driving deeper collaboration, we will improve focus, agility, and execution across the organisation, while strengthening our customer-centric approach across brand and content,” said Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India.
Apart from the change in operating model and leadership realignment, the company is also in the process of initiating cost-cutting measures, including laying off over 100 employees, multiple sources privy to the development said.
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