Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) on Friday announced a leadership rejig under its new operating model that forces on being platform-agnostic. Industry sources said there would be changes in teams and roles that might see certain positions being eliminated. The job cuts could touch 120, according to sources, though the company offered no comments on the matter.
Shift to Platform-Agnostic Model
In an internal note to employees, Banerjee said that the specifics of the “organisational shift” would be finalised in the coming weeks after working with the leadership of the company. This will include a likely expansion of role and scope for some teams and a likely elimination of positions in the case of others.
Under the realignment, Nachiket Pantvaidya will lead flagship Hindi general entertainment channel Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Sony Marathi, and movie production. Ajay Bhalwankar will lead Sony SAB, movies cluster, FTA, and infotainment channels.
Besides, Rajaraman Sundaram will lead the company’s regional expansion in the south and Ambesh Tiwari will lead Sony AATH, alongside the kids’ business.
SPNI MD & CEO Gaurav Banerjee said, that the company had reviewed its operating model and organisational structure as part of its next phase of growth. “We are redefining our content strategy from a largely linear-first to a linear and digital approach that delivers seamless consumer experience across platforms,” he said.
He further said, “By empowering our teams with greater ownership and driving deeper collaboration, we will improve focus, agility, and execution across the organisation, while strengthening our customer-centric approach across brand and content.”
Leadership Realignment
As part of the restructuring, SPNI said that it would consolidate key revenue streams across ad sales and distribution, sports and international business and it will be headed by Rajesh Kaul as Chief Revenue Officer.
The company also said it will appoint a new head for its digital business and in the interim, Banerjee would provide direct oversight of the digital vertical.
Other leadership realignments include elevation of Akshay Agrawal as Head, Linear Ad Sales, Makarand Palekar as Head, Linear Distribution, the company said.
Ranjana Mangla, who currently heads digital ad sales, will additionally handle the company’s YouTube growth strategy and Manish Aggarwal will lead Sony LIV’s B2B and syndication business.
They will all report to Kaul, it said, adding that the administration and facilities will be aligned to human resources, headed by Manu Wadhwa, CHRO.