Times Television Network hires Jagdish Mulchandani as CFO

Times Television Network (TTN) has announced the appointment of Jagdish Mulchandani as Chief Financial Officer effective 2nd April 2013. Based out of Mumbai, Jagdish will lead and drive finance-related strategy and operations for Times Television Network. In addition, he will also oversee the functions of Distribution, Traffic and Administration of the all the Times Television Network channels – ET NOW, MOVIES NOW, TIMES NOW and zoOm.

The network has just completed another year of successful and significant operations, with TIMES NOW and ET NOW leading the English News domain and its entertainment channels – zoOm and MOVIES NOW – continuing to grow their viewership into leadership positions. This enabled Times Television Network to increase its advertising rates by over 30% for some of its channel brands. The network also expanded its footprint globally, adding 22 countries in FY ‘13, taking the total to 45 countries across 4 continents. In the cutting edge digital domain, zoOm further strengthened its position to become the 11th largest media and entertainment entity on social media in the world with a reach and engagement score higher than that of the top 3 Indian GEC channels put together. Despite a weak media sentiment in the last fiscal, the Network’s top line grew by over 10%, staying ahead of the closest competition in its genres. Times Television Network is now poised to exploit the onset of digital distribution and create new opportunities in the year ahead.

Jagdish has over 20 years of robust experience across various sectors, handling a wide array of functions which include Distribution, Finance & Accounts and Business Transformation among others. Prior to joining Times Television Network, he was associated with MediaPro (a Star – Zee joint venture) as Chief Financial Officer. Jagdish has also had a very successful stint with Star Den, Star India and Star Middle East. In his new role, he will leverage his Distribution experience with Times Television Network having now adopted its own penetration and distribution team and its domestic subscription business now with MSM Discovery Pvt. Ltd.

Speaking on the announcement, Sunil Lulla, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Times Television Network said, “Jagdish comes on board at the opportune time to help steer and grow Times Television Network’s value proposition. Armed with a vast experience across various industries including the Media & Entertainment domain in India and overseas, Jagdish is a key member of Times Television Network's leadership team. Apart from Finance, his experience with Distribution will be an asset for our business in this new era of TV Broadcasting. I am sure he will add great value to the profitable growth of our channels and our business.”

Commenting on his new role, Jagdish Mulchandani said, “I am very happy to be part of India's finest media group, with such high repute. Times Television Network has strong brands, leaders in their respective categories, and the business is on a strong growth path.  In this new phase of growth for the network, I look forward to working with some highly motivated individuals and adding value to the business. Apart from my Finance and Strategy skills, I look forward to adding muscle to Times Television Network’s Distribution function.”
Jagdish will be reporting into Avinash Kaul, Chief Executive Officer – ET NOW, TIMES NOW and zoOm.