Disney Star’s Gaurav Banerjee has reportedly been appointed the new chief executive officer of Sony Pictures Networks India, replacing NP Singh, who announced last week that he was stepping down from his role as SPNI managing director and CEO late last week after 25 years at the network.
It bears noting that there has been no official announcement that Banerjee will be taking over from Singh at SPNI (the consumer-facing identity of Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited, which is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, Japan). But according to reports filed separately by Mint and Reuters, citing sources close to the developments, Disney India’s head – Content (Hindi Ent. & Disney+ hotstar) and Business head – Star Bharat, Hindi & English Movies, Kids & Infotainment & Regional (East), has stepped down from his positions at the Indian business unit of the House of Mouse.
Banerjee started his innnings in the Indian media and entertainment arena at Aaj Tak, then transitioned to Star News in 2004, assuming roles as a prime-time anchor and senior producer. In 2008, he made a significant move to Star India, spearheading content strategy for the network’s regional entertainment channels. He played a pivotal role in the expansion into new territories with the launch of Star Jalsha in Bengal and Star Pravah in Maharashtra.
His impact continued as he assumed the role of head of content strategy for Star Plus in 2009. He was promoted to general manager of Star Plus in 2013. Subsequently, in 2015, he assumed leadership of the Content Studio, marking another milestone in his career journey.
POSTSCRIPT: The alacrity with which reports of a new CEO at SPNI have surfaced appear to indicate that the decision to appoint Banerjee as chief executive of SPNI had been made by the head honchos at (parent company) Sony Pictures Entertainment well ahead of Singh’s retirement announcement last week.
