Joy Chakraborthy resigns from ZEEL, to join TV Today Network as CEO

Joy Chakraborthy, Executive Director (Revenue and niche channels) has put in his papers at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), thus ending his six-year stint with the company. He shall now join the TV Today Network as chief executive officer (CEO), and will replace G Krishnan.

While other portals flashed this movement over the weekend, Adgully awaited confirmation from both the media conglomerates. On receiving an affirmation on Monday evening, Adgully took on to the task of filling this story.

In a prepared statement issued to the media,speaking on tenure which extended for more than half a decade at ZEE, Joy Chakraborthy said, "My journey at ZEE for the past six & a half years has indeed been extremely rewarding and fruitful, which I shall cherish. I am thankful to ZEE for giving me the opportunity to explore and broaden my experience in diversified functions. Now as I step out to expand my horizons within the media industry and take a leap of faith to venture into a world beyond ZEE, I wish ZEE - Chairman, Punit as well as my colleagues - the very best. Since I will be at ZEE for some time, I will indeed be ensuring a smooth transition of all my portfolios."

Chakraborthy joined Zee in March 2005, to head the ad sales function of the company, later, he was made the chief revenue officer and chief operating officer for niche channels before taking on his role of executive director for revenue and niche channels. Along with heading the media sales, he was also the business unit head of niche channels which includes Zee Khana Khazana, Zee Caf, Zee Studio, Zee Trendz, ETC and Zing.

Senior sources in the industry say that following this development, Aroon Purie, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, India Today Group met up with senior executives to update them about the movement. "I am pleased to inform you that after careful consideration we have identified a successor to former TVTN CEO, G Krishnan. Joy Chakraborthy, whose last role was that of Executive Director, Revenue & Niche Channels, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) will join us effective December 1, 2011 as CEO, TVTN."

Speaking on this occasion, Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) said, "I have accepted his resignation with a heavy heart. He did lead a strong team at ZEE that will continue to be part of our family. The entire ZEE family wishes Joy all the success in his new endeavors."

Chakraborthy brings with him 15 years of experience in strategic media sales across media organizations such as The Times of India Group and STAR India. His academic armory includes graduation from the National Defence Academy, a Master's degree in Marketing Management from NMIMS, and more recently, the completion of the Advanced Management Program from the Harvard Business School.

ZEE will be announcing the appointment of a successor for this position in the near future.