Sony Pictures Networks India Names Gaurav Banerjee As New MD & CEO

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has appointed Gaurav Banerjee as the new Managing Director and CEO, effective on or before August 26, 2024, pending regulatory approvals.

Banerjee will succeed N.P. Singh, who led SPNI to heights during his 25-year tenure.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Banerjee stated, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of MD & CEO at SPNI. 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.”

With a career spanning over two decades, Banerjee brings extensive experience in content creation and strategic leadership. He previously served as Head of Content for Hindi Entertainment & Disney+ Hotstar and Business Head for Star Bharat, Hindi & English Movies, Kids & Infotainment and Regional (East). In these roles, Banerjee managed content curation across multiple languages and led the development of original series and films that resonated deeply with diverse audiences, earning him a reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking leader.

N.P. Singh, who will transition to the role of Non-Executive Chairman to support this change through the end of the fiscal year reflected on the appointment commenting, “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 on 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.”

Banerjee's media career began as an assistant producer and anchor at Aaj Tak. He then moved to Star News, where he produced and anchored Prime Time News shows. 

On the appointment, 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."

Banerjee holds a master's degree in filmmaking and TV production from Jamia Millia Islamia University and an undergraduate degree in history from St. Stephen's College, Delhi.