Gaurav Banerjee will succeed NP Singh, who will move into the role of Non-Executive Chairman after a 25-year tenure.
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has appointed Gaurav Banerjee as its new Managing Director and CEO. Banerjee is set to assume his role on or before August 26, pending necessary approvals.
Banerjee succeeds NP Singh, who has served the company for 25 years and will transition to the role of non-executive chair, supporting the transition until the end of the financial year.
A seasoned content expert with over two decades of industry experience, Banerjee joins SPNI from Disney’s India arm, where he held multiple roles, including head of content for Hindi-language entertainment and Disney+ Hotstar. He has a notable track record, having produced hits like Anupama, Imlie, and Aarya.
Banerjee began his career as a producer and anchor at the Aaj Tak news channel before moving to Star News. He holds a master’s degree in filmmaking from Jamia Milia Islamia and a history degree from St. Stephens, Delhi.
Speaking about the new role, Banerjee said: “Under NP 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.”
NP Singh added: “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 in 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.”
Ravi Ahuja, Chair of Global Television Studios and President and COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, stated: “NP 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.”
This leadership change follows the recent collapse of Sony’s deal to merge its Indian film, TV, and streaming businesses with Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL). The merger, which had been under negotiation for over two years and received regulatory approvals, fell through in January 2024, with Sony citing unmet conditions. Both companies are now seeking financial recompense from each other.
