Gaurav Banerjee appointed as Managing Director and CEO of SPNI, effective from August 26th

Gaurav Banerjee has been named by Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), subject to regulatory approvals, and beginning on or before August 26, 2024. N.P. Singh, who over his amazing 25-year tenure has taken SPNI to unparalleled heights, will be succeeded by Gaurav Banerjee.

"I am deeply honored to take on the role of MD & CEO at SPNI," said Gaurav Banerjee. "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 will become Non-Executive Chairman to aid the transition until the end of the fiscal year, reflected on this change, stating,  "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."

Gaurav Banerjee has a lot of knowledge in content production and strategic leadership from his stellar two-decade career. Previously, he was the Business Head for Star Bharat, Hindi & English Movies, Kids & Infotainment, and Regional (East) as well as the Head of Content for Hindi Entertainment & Disney+ Hotstar. In these capacities, Gaurav not only managed the curation of content in several languages but also led the creation of original television shows and motion pictures that struck a chord with a wide range of viewers, establishing his image as a creative and visionary leader.

Top shows such as Anupama, Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein, and Imlie were regularly positioned at the top of viewership numbers thanks to Gaurav's strategic vision and inventive approach. His production of Emmy-nominated Aarya, Special Ops, The Freelancer, and The Night Manager for Disney+ Hotstar, among other award-winning streaming originals, was crucial.

Gaurav began his career in journalism as an Aaj Tak anchor and associate producer. He subsequently relocated to Star News, where he began producing and hosting Prime Time News programs. Gaurav received his undergraduate degree in history from St. Stephens, Delhi, and his master's degree in filmmaking and television production from Jamia Milia Islamia University.