NODWIN Gaming, within which Comic Con India is a wholly owned subsidiary, has named Shefali Johnson as the new CEO of the “pioneering pop culture extravaganza”.
Comic Con India founder Jatin Varma, who has led the brand since its inception alongside co-founder Karan Kalra and event director Sonal Varma, will be stepping back from day-to-day operations. Pertinently, the trio will continue to support the company’s long-term vision in an “advisory capacity”, ensuring continuity, creative direction, and a strong connection to the community they’ve helped nurture over the past decade.
As a key member of NODWIN Gaming’s core leadership team, Johnson has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and innovation, successfully spearheading several of its flagship live IPs over the years — including DreamHack India, BGMS, and the Cosplay vertical & championships.
Following a landmark year post-acquisition, which saw Comic Con India expand to three newer cities and deliver its biggest season yet, the company is now poised for even greater scale. With a sharp focus on innovation, inclusivity, and immersive fan experiences, Johnson’s appointment marks a strategic step toward building the next era of Comic Con India. Her leadership will drive the brand’s long-term vision — deepening fan engagement, growing regional reach, and solidifying Comic Con’s role as the definitive pop culture experience in the country.
For the record, it was in January 2024 that NODWIN Gaming acquired 100% ownership of Comic Con India at a Rs 55 crore valuation. Since the acquisition, Comic Con India expanded its footprint by debuting in three new cities — Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Pune — in addition to its marquee events in Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai. This momentum reflects NODWIN Gaming’s vision to bring together gaming, cosplay, comics, and esports into a singular fan ecosystem — one that’s growing bolder, broader, and more immersive with every edition.
Reflecting on his journey, Varma commented: “Bringing Comic Con to India and watching it evolve into a cultural movement has been a lifetime honor. What began as a dream is now a vibrant platform for fans, creators, and brands across the country. Karan, Sonal, and I are incredibly proud of what we’ve built and we leave knowing that Comic Con India is in great hands with NODWIN Gaming. Shefali brings the perfect blend of vision, experience, and drive to take our labour of love to greater scale. We look forward to supporting her and the team in an advisory capacity as they shape the future of fandom in India across cities.”
Johnson noted: “Stepping into this role is both a privilege and a responsibility. Jatin, Karan and Sonal have built something truly iconic, and I’m honoured to carry their vision forward. Comic Con India, at its core, has always been about uniting fans, creators, and brands in an immersive way, and that will never change. What will evolve is the scale — we plan to grow this platform into newer cities, introduce newer formats, and create experiences that are more inclusive, dynamic, and reflective of India’s evolving pop culture identity. The road ahead is filled with possibilities, and we can’t wait to deliver even more unforgettable editions to our fans.”
Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming, added: “We’re incredibly excited to have Shefali step in as the new CEO of Comic Con India. She’s been a key part of the NODWIN journey and brings the right mix of leadership, vision, and passion to take Comic Con India into its next chapter. As the original core team moves into advisory roles, we’re staying true to our commitment of growing fan culture across the country. With Shefali at the helm, we’re looking forward to building on everything we’ve created so far—expanding our reach, deepening fan engagement, and continuing to celebrate the communities that make Comic Con what it is.”
Since its inception in 2011, Comic Con India has emerged as the ultimate destination for fans of comics, superheroes, anime, gaming, and geek culture. From hosting legendary creators, blockbuster previews, and cosplay championships to boasting exclusive merchandise and interactive fan-first experiences, it has built a thriving community across the country, and beyond. Now, with the backing of NODWIN Gaming and Shefali Johnson at the helm, Comic Con India is poised to achieve new milestones, reaching more cities and welcoming new fandoms nationwide.
