Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced a strategic leadership realignment under a refreshed operating framework, reinforcing its ambition to evolve into a content-first, platform-agnostic, and multi-lingual entertainment company.
The revised structure is designed to strengthen end-to-end content ownership, deepen collaboration between television channels and Sony LIV, and enable a more cohesive approach to monetisation and distribution across linear and digital platforms.
Commenting on the development, Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India, said: “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 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.”
As part of the new model, SPNI is empowering its content clusters with full responsibility across content strategy, programming, marketing, and on-air promotions for both linear and digital platforms. Nachiket Pantvaidya will oversee Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Sony Marathi, and movie production, while Ajay Bhalwankar will lead Sony SAB, the Movies cluster, free-to-air (FTA), and infotainment channels. Rajaraman Sundaram will spearhead the company’s regional expansion in South India, and Ambesh Tiwari will head Sony AATH along with the Kids portfolio.
SPNI also plans to appoint a new leader for its Digital business, with details to be announced once the succession process is complete. In the interim, Gaurav Banerjee will directly oversee the digital vertical.
To drive a unified monetisation strategy across linear and digital platforms, SPNI will consolidate its ad sales, distribution, sports, and international businesses under a single revenue engine led by Rajesh Kaul as Chief Revenue Officer. Under this structure, Akshay Agrawal has been elevated to Head – Linear Ad Sales, Makarand Palekar to Head – Linear Distribution, and Ranjana Mangla will expand her remit beyond digital ad sales to also lead YouTube growth. Manish Aggarwal will manage Sony LIV’s B2B and syndication business. All four leaders will report to Kaul.
Within support functions, Gaurav Laghate will take charge of external relations as Head – Corporate Brand, PR and Corporate Communications, while Administration and Facilities will be aligned under Human Resources, led by CHRO Manu Wadhwa.
Read more: Sony Pictures Networks India Names Ankur Shrivastava As Associate Vice President
