Satish Menon at 69: A steady hand in India’s sports and media business

Satish Menon has played a steady role in shaping the business and management side of Indian sports over several decades. As he turns 69, and continues to go strong, his current position as CEO of Punjab Kings places him among the longer-serving executives in the IPL ecosystem.

Menon has been associated with the franchise since his appointment as CEO on February 8, 2017, marking close to a decade at the helm. During this period, he has overseen the team’s operations through significant shifts in the IPL landscape, including changes in ownership structures, commercial models and fan engagement strategies, while ensuring operational continuity.

With close to three decades of experience across media, sports broadcasting and sports business, Menon brings a broad perspective shaped by work across print, television and sports marketing. Prior to joining Punjab Kings, he served as CEO of Sports18, the sports management division of Network18, where he spent over five years. His earlier roles include President, Sponsorship and Business Development at Zee Group’s sports division, and President, Sports and Media at Nimbus Communications, where he led the company’s Indian sports and media operations.

One of the notable developments during his leadership, the team also enjoyed one of its most competitive seasons, finishing as runners-up in the 2025 Indian Premier League after progressing through the playoffs and reaching the final before narrowly losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, ending an 11-year gap since its previous appearance at the finals.

Under his stewardship, the franchise was the brand transition from Kings XI Punjab to Punjab Kings ahead of the 2021 IPL season. The rebranding was positioned as an evolution of the team’s identity, aimed at refreshing its image and strengthening its connection with fans while retaining its core legacy.

Beyond on-field and commercial considerations, Menon’s tenure has also seen the franchise engage in structured community initiatives. Among them is the Punjab Kings Classroom Project, undertaken in collaboration with Round Table India. Under this sustained programme, multiple classrooms have been refurbished or re-constructed across schools in Punjab, with tables, benches, blackboards, computer labs and other facilities being installed to enhance learning environments. Menon has emphasised the franchise’s commitment to education and long-term community impact through this partnership.

Across roles, Menon has been closely involved in sports broadcasting, sponsorships, media rights and team management, giving him a comprehensive view of the sports business in India.