BARC India CEO Partho Dasgupta steps down; Sunil Lulla replaces him

The news is now confirmed. Partho Dasgupta, CEO, BARC India, today announced his plans to relinquish his position and move on. Dasgupta has been the first Chief Executive Officer of BARC India, a joint industry company between broadcasters, advertisers and agencies, which is also the world’s largest television audience measurement company. 

Adgully had reported earlier that Dasgupta is stepping down. 

Now BARC India has issued a release announcing a change in its leadership. 

In a statement, Dasgupta said, “It has been a tremendous journey to set up the world’s largest Audience Measurement Company with the least investment and in the quickest time. Having set it up, expanding the panel and introducing new insight products for News, Sports, Music and OOH genres, I thought it’s time to move on and do new things. I have enjoyed setting up new businesses and brands and turning them around both in media and consumer space and it is time to explore new domains.” 

He added, “I would like to thank Board members and Techcomm members, especially Punit and Shashi, for the tremendous support and guidance.” 

Meanwhile, Sunil Lulla, who brings over 35 years of media and marketing experience and is an industry veteran, is being appointed as CEO of BARC India. “I am delighted to lead BARC as it grows its footprint, in coverage, scope and services, in the fast growing and rapidly evolving TV and digital industry. Things are changing fast and audience measurement has to keep pace with all these. I thank Partho for bringing the company to where it is and wish him a great time ahead.” 

Punit Goenka, Chairman, BARC India, said “I welcome Sunil to BARC. He has been a Board member before and is familiar. I would also like to thank Partho for steering BARC through tough times, building a great team and establishing the technology architecture that BARC is proud of. Winner of several awards, BARC India is now considered a benchmark by the global measurement community. We wish him the best for his career ahead.” 

Speaking on the transition, Goenka added, “Partho and Sunil are working with the teams for a smooth transition in the weeks to come.”