Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) announced on Monday the appointment of Gaurav Banerjee as its new Managing Director and CEO, effective on or before August 26, pending regulatory approvals. Banerjee, a former Disney executive, will succeed NP Singh, who will become the Non-Executive Chairman after leading SPNI for 25 years.
NP Singh will transition to his new role once Banerjee takes charge and will support the transition until the end of the fiscal year. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and President & COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, praised Singh’s leadership and expressed confidence in Banerjee’s ability to drive SPNI’s continued success.
Banerjee has an extensive background in the media industry. He was previously Head of Content for Hindi Entertainment & Disney+ Hotstar and Business Head for Star Bharat, Hindi & English Movies, Kids & Infotainment, and Regional (East). He began his career as an assistant producer and anchor at Aaj Tak, later moving to Star News to produce and anchor prime time news shows.
Banerjee holds a master’s degree in filmmaking and TV production from Jamia Millia Islamia University and an undergraduate degree in history from St. Stephens, Delhi.
Singh announced his decision to step down last month, expressing his desire to focus on social change and shift from operational roles to advisory ones after nearly 44 years in his career.
Previously, SPNI’s Japanese parent company had pushed for Singh to lead the merged entity with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), but the $10 billion deal was called off in January due to leadership disagreements and failure to meet closing conditions.
