SPNI appoints former JioStar executive Rasesh Upadhyay as Deputy CFO
At Sony Pictures Networks India, Upadhyay will work closely with the company's leadership team on financial strategy, business planning and performance management
by
Published: Jun 12, 2026 10:13 AM | 2 min read
Follow Us
- Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has appointed Rasesh Upadhyay as its new Deputy Chief Financial Officer, effective July 1, 2026, following the departure of Pramod Nair after over 25 years with the company.
- Upadhyay, who will join SPNI on June 22, 2026, brings over 20 years of experience from roles at JioStar, Star India, Etisalat DB, and Bharti Airtel, focusing on finance, strategy, and business planning.
- His appointment comes as the Indian media and entertainment sector undergoes significant transformation, with a focus on consolidation and digital expansion.
- Upadhyay's expanded role will include overseeing the commercial function within the finance division, aiming to enhance alignment between commercial operations and financial performance as SPNI seeks to strengthen its organizational structure and decision-making processes.
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has appointed media and telecom industry veteran Rasesh Upadhyay as its new Deputy Chief Financial Officer, marking a key leadership change in the broadcaster's finance function as it seeks to strengthen financial strategy, business planning and performance management.
The appointment comes following the decision of Pramod Nair, SPNI's Deputy Chief Financial Officer, to step down after a career spanning more than 25 years with the organisation.
Upadhyay is set to join Sony Pictures Networks India on June 22, 2026, and will formally assume the role of Deputy CFO from July 1, 2026.
Veteran executive joins from JioStar
Upadhyay brings more than two decades of experience spanning finance, strategy, business planning and enterprise transformation. Most recently, he served as Head of Strategy and Operations in the CEO's Office at JioStar, where he was involved in driving enterprise-wide strategic priorities, governance frameworks and integration initiatives across one of India's largest media companies.
His appointment comes at a time when the Indian media and entertainment sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by consolidation, digital expansion and evolving consumer viewing habits.
Experience across media, telecom and entertainment
Over the course of his career, Upadhyay has held leadership positions at Star India, Etisalat DB, and Bharti Airtel, building expertise across finance, business performance management and corporate strategy.
His professional background spans media, entertainment and sports businesses, giving him a deep understanding of sectors that are increasingly converging as broadcasters and streaming platforms compete for audiences and advertising revenues.
Industry executives said his experience in both operational and strategic roles could prove valuable for SPNI as it navigates a rapidly evolving content and distribution landscape.
Expanded mandate at SPNI
At Sony Pictures Networks India, Upadhyay will work closely with the company's leadership team on financial strategy, business planning and performance management.
In addition to his finance responsibilities, he will also oversee the commercial function, which will now report under the finance division, indicating a broader mandate aimed at creating stronger alignment between commercial operations and financial performance.
The move reflects SPNI's focus on building a more integrated organisational structure and strengthening decision-making around growth, profitability and operational efficiency.
The broadcaster said Upadhyay's strategic and operational experience would help support its efforts to evolve into a more future-ready organisation amid intensifying competition across television, streaming and sports broadcasting segments.
The appointment represents one of the more significant senior-level leadership changes at SPNI this year as the company continues to sharpen its focus on financial discipline, operational effectiveness and long-term growth.
Read more news about People Movement, Internet Advertising, Marketing, Digital Media, PR and Corporate Communication
For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube & Google News