Network18 has announced the appointment of Sunil Sharma as Chief Product & Technology Officer.

In his new role, Sunil will lead the group’s convergence and digital technology initiatives, including tech architecture, content, data and monetisation management tools, software and product engineering for all general and business news brands under the group’s umbrella.

He will focus on disruptive technologies such as generative AI to improve processes, develop audiences, localise stories and distribute content efficiently.

Sunil will report to Network18’s Managing Director Rahul Joshi, and work closely with other leaders to foster a strong tech and product DNA across Network18 brands.

Sunil brings with him over two decades of ‘Big Tech’ experience in software product development across sectors such as telecom, retail, media streaming and EdTech businesses. Prior to joining Network18, Sunil was Vice President of Engineering at Byju's, where he spearheaded customer experience and customer support technology initiatives. Before that, he served at Amazon for over seven years, making notable contributions in retail, logistics, and Prime Video.

Rajat Nigam will continue to lead as the Group CTO, spearheading overall broadcast tech efforts, including broadcast IT/infrastructure, technology operations, cyber security, enterprise IT and cloud & infra operations. He will also mentor and guide Sunil.

With some recent appointments, Network18 has marked a departure from regular practices of recruiting talent from the same Industry. The group is building its tech strength by roping in resources from diverse sectors such as big tech, startups etc.

In the last few months, the group has made a significant progress in unifying its digital and broadcast teams across editorial, business and operations.

As part of this process, the group’s broadcast and digital news operations are being converged, keeping technology at the core of it.

From story planning to content consumption on any and every device, the company’s goal is to deliver a top-class experience and conceptualise solutions that will enrich the story-telling experience, paint a picture of audiences in granular detail and help customers to attain maximum value.

Sangeetha Mahadevan has been appointed Managing Partner - Head of Content & Partnerships at Omincom Media Group UK. Mahadevan has been with OMG for nearly 2 years.

She joined the company in November 2021 as Head of Content & Partnerships in OMG Unite.

Prior to that, Mahadevan was Co-Director of Mentoring at MEFA.

She was also with The Story Lab for over 5 years.

Grundfos is pleased to announce Usha Subramaniam as the new Country President for the company in India. In this important role, she will act as the main representative towards internal and external stakeholders, driving engagement with partners and progressing our promise to respect, protect and advance the flow of water, true to the company’s purpose to pioneer solutions to the world’s water and climate challenges and improve quality of life for people.

Usha Subramaniam, Country President, Grundfos India on the appointment said, “I am very proud to take on this new role and look forward to working with my many colleagues in India, as well as our partners and stakeholders, towards our goal of creating a sustainable future. The opportunities available in India where Grundfos can make a difference to the water and climate agenda is immense, and in collaboration, I believe we can realize the possibility in every drop and help to respect, protect, and advance the flow of water in India.”

She will officially enter the role on 1st June 2023.

Prior to the appointment, Usha Subramaniam has held a number of senior, global roles within Grundfos, the latest as the Senior Director and Head of Business HR, for the company’s Commercial Building Services division.

Rajitta Hemwaani has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer - Music at IN10 Media.

She has held leadership roles in media organisations in India and globally for over 25 years.

Hemwaani was earlier Business Head and Chief of Content at Eros Music. She was also Chief Content Officer at 9X Media.

Hemwaani has also worked with Star TV Network, Reliance Entertainment and Universal Music Group in leadership roles.

She also owns Kefira International Collective, a set up that helps talent and artistes partner with content and music companies.

Maria Evrenos has been appointed as the Global Content Director at Wavemaker.

She joined Wavemaker in September 2021 as the Global Content Manager.

Prior to that, she was Creative Production Lead at Croud for over 3 years.

She has been associated with several production houses in leading content roles.

Zee Media Corporation Limited has appointed Pooja Duggal as Head - Human Resources for and its subsidiaries, based out of the Noida office.

Duggal will be responsible to lead, advise and strategise on the implementation of effective people strategy & plans; to ensure that our people policies, culture and working practices enable high performance and organisational capability. She will take a lead role in organisational development, drive change initiatives and contribute to long-term goals around business and people development.

Duggal brings with her over 16 years of varied industry experience revolving around designing and execution of people strategy and solution to help businesses realise its overall objectives. She has been instrumental in aligning and institutionalising HR processes and systems spanning the complete employee lifecycle encompassing Performance Management, Organisation Capability Building, Change Management and much more. Her last assignment was with HT Digital streams as Head HR for the digital business. Previously, she has worked with companies like Raychem RPG Pvt. Ltd., Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., SISTEMA Shyam Teleservices and Right Management.

Duggal has completed her MBA in Human Resources and Finance from NMIMS, Mumbai and Bachelor of Information Systems (H) from GGS Indraprastha, Delhi.

Commenting on her appointment Abhay Ojha– CEO, ZMCL, said “We are excited to have Pooja Duggal come on board with her expertise in the Human Resource domain. We look forward to collaboratively drive growth for the organization and take it to greater heights with each passing day”

Speaking of joining Zee media Pooja Duggal, said “It is an incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact on the organization's greatest asset-its people. I am thrilled to take on this role and work alongside a team of talented individuals to foster a culture of growth, collaboration, and employee development. Together, we aim to create a workforce that is empowered, engaged, and equipped to drive innovation and achieve exceptional results.”

OnePlus India CEO Navnit Nakra has quit the company, according to media reports. Nakra was with the company for more than three years. He joined in February 2020.

“He has played an instrumental role in managing the India business over the last three years, and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours,” one the reports quoted the company as saying.

Nakra was given the role of CEO in October 2021. Before that, he was its Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Sales in India. 

Prior to OnePlus, Nakra worked with Apple as the Head of Affordability in India for over three years. Prior to that, he worked with Citibank N.A. for nearly 15 years.