Sony Pictures Networks India on Monday announced the appointment of former Disney executive Gaurav Banerjee as its managing director and CEO, effective on or before August 26, pending regulatory approvals.

Banerjee will succeed N.P. Singh, who will move into the role of non-executive chairman after a 25-year tenure, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) said in a statement.

Singh will move into the new role only after Banerjee takes charge to support the transition through the end of the fiscal year.

“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,” said Ravi Ahuja, chairman of Global Television Studios and president and COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Banerjee previously held the positions of head of content for Hindi Entertainment & Disney+ Hotstar and business head for Star Bharat, Hindi & English Movies, Kids & Infotainment and Regional (East), the statement said.

He started his career in media as an assistant producer and anchor at Aaj Tak and later moved to Star News, where he started producing and anchoring prime time news shows. Banerjee has a master’s in filmmaking and TV production from Jamia Millia Islamia University.

PTI