Banerjee will succeed NP Singh, who will move into the role of Non-Executive Chairman after a 25-year tenure, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) said in a statement.
“NP 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,” said Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and President & COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Banerjee 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), the statement said.
He started career in media as an assistant producer and anchor at Aaj Tak and later moved to Star News, where he started producing and anchoring prime time news shows.Banerjee has a master’s degree in filmmaking and TV production from Jamia Millia Islamia University and an undergraduate in history from St. Stephens, Delhi, the company said.
singh had said that after nearly 44 years in his career, he is “ready to focus on social change and shift from operational roles to advisory ones”.
The Japanese parent of SPNI, had pushed for Singh to lead the merged entity proposed to be formed after amalgamation with India’s Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) before calling off the USD 10 billion deal in January this year.
The deal announced more than two years back, collapsed following a stalemate over who will lead the merged entity and also due failure to meet closing conditions by ZEEL despite a month’s extension of deadline.
Singh will take on the role of non-executive chairman until the end of the fiscal year to support the transition. He said he was proud of the success and innovation SPNI has achieved. “I am confident that Gaurav will elevate SPNI’s impressive portfolio to new heights.
I look forward to supporting him and our talented team as we further our impact in content creation, audience engagement, and digital media initiatives,” he added.Appointed head of content strategy for Star Plus in 2009, Banerjee played a vital role in revitalising the channel with shows such as Diya Aur Baati Hum and Sasural Genda Phool.
He was promoted to general manager of Star Plus in 2013 and took over as head of the content studio in 2015.The Japanese parent of SPNI, had pushed for Mr. Singh to lead the merged entity proposed to be formed after amalgamation with India’s Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) before calling off the $10 billion deal in January this year.
The deal announced more than two years back, collapsed following a stalemate over who will lead the merged entity and also due failure to meet closing conditions by ZEEL despite a month’s extension of deadline.
On the appointment, Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and President & COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment said, “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.”
