Deadline: Sony Pictures Networks India Names Disney+ Hotstar Content Boss Gaurav Banerjee As MD & CEO

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures Networks India has named Disney+ Hotstar content chief Gaurav Banerjee as its new Managing Director and CEO.

He’ll replace N.P. Singh, who recently announced he was transitioning out of the role after 25 years in senior leadership positions at Sony’s Indian division. Banerjee’s hire will become effective on or before August 26, subject to regulatory approvals.

“I am deeply honoured to take on the role of MD & CEO at SPNI,” said 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.”

Banerjee is among India’s most experienced content execs, and was most recently Head of Content for Hindi Entertainment & Disney+ Hotstar and Business Head for Star Bharat, Hindi & English Movies, Kids & Infotainment, and Regional (East). This saw him overseeing content in multiple languages and spearheading original series and films.

His Disney+ Hotstar commissions include Aarya, Special Ops, Criminal Justice, The Freelancer and The Night Manager — shows that helped the platform becomes India’s top-rated streaming service. Anupama, Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein and Imlie were also under his purview. Banerjee started his career as an assistant producer and anchor at Aaj Tak and then moved to Star News, where he produced and anchored primetime news shows.

His exit from Disney+ Hotstar comes after it was confirmed Disney is merging its Indian operations with JioCinema parent Reliance Industries. That move could signal senior personnel and strategic changes if it passes regulatory conditions and becomes official. Reliance will control the operation, with Disney taking a minority stake. The deal is expected to close at the end of 2024 or early 2025.

Sony Pictures Networks India is the consumer-facing identity of Culver Max Entertainment, which is part of Japan’s Sony Group. The company came close to a $10B deal with Zee Entertainment Enterprises, but walked away earlier this year after closing conditions were not satisfied.

Sony Pictures Networks India’s channels include Sony Entertainment Television; premium Hindi movies and specials network Sony MAX; and Sony PAL, which operates in rural Hindi-speaking markets. It also operates the Sony BBC Earth factual entertainment channel, Bangla entertainment net Sony AATH; kids channel Sony YAY!, and numerous sports channels. On the digital front, it operates streamer Sony LIV and has an indie production studio, Studio NEXT. The company claims to reach over 700 million viewers in India and is in 167 countries. Officially, it is known as Culver Max Entertainment.

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.”