Sony Pictures Networks India Restructures Leadership in Strategic Shift

Sony Pictures Networks India has restructured its leadership team to support its evolution into a content-driven, multi-lingual entertainment company that treats all distribution platforms equally.

The Mumbai-based broadcaster unveiled the changes Friday, explaining that the reorganization will give individual teams complete control over their content portfolios while breaking down operational barriers between its television networks and SonyLIV streaming platform. The goal is to create a more cohesive business approach that treats linear and digital distribution as equally important revenue channels.

The new structure places four executives in charge of distinct content portfolios, with each responsible for all aspects of their channels’ operations including creative development, scheduling, audience engagement initiatives, and promotional activities across both broadcast and streaming. Nachiket Pantvaidya now runs Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Marathi, and the company’s film production unit. Ajay Bhalwankar oversees Sony SAB, the film channels portfolio, free-to-air offerings, and factual programming. Rajaraman Sundaram has been tasked with building the broadcaster’s presence in southern India, while Ambesh Tiwari manages Sony AATH and children’s programming.

SPNI will recruit an external candidate to run its streaming operations, though the company has not yet finalized its choice. Until that appointment is made, Banerjee will personally manage the digital division. Danish Khan, business head of SonyLIV and production unit Studio NXT, is exiting SPNI next month.

On the commercial side, the broadcaster is bringing together its various income sources – including advertising, carriage fees, sports rights, and overseas licensing – under a single executive. Rajesh Kaul will serve as chief revenue officer, managing a team that includes four newly promoted lieutenants. Akshay Agrawal now runs television advertising sales, while Makarand Palekar handles distribution agreements with cable and satellite operators. Ranjana Mangla, who previously focused solely on streaming advertising, will now also develop the company’s YouTube channel strategy. Manish Aggarwal oversees business-to-business deals and content licensing for SonyLIV. All four report directly to Kaul.

In corporate functions, Gaurav Laghate takes responsibility for external communications, brand management, and public relations. Meanwhile, office management and facility operations have been moved under the purview of chief human resources officer Manu Wadhwa.

Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India, stated: “As we look ahead to our next phase of growth, we have reviewed our operating model and organizational structure to ensure they best support our goals. We are redefining our content strategy from a largely linear-first to a linear and digital approach that delivers seamless consumer experience across platforms. By empowering our teams with greater ownership and driving deeper collaboration, we will improve focus, agility, and execution across the organization, while strengthening our customer-centric approach across brand and content.”

Sony Pictures Networks India operates a portfolio of 28 television channels available in standard and high definition, attracting more than 700 million viewers locally while distributing content to over 150 countries. The company functions as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, Japan.