Viacom18 announces new entity 'Viacom18 Digital Ventures'

Ropes in Gaurav Gandhi to lead and develop a unique, unified multi-platform product offering

One of India’s fastest growing multi-platform entertainment networks, Viacom18 has announced its new digital business, Viacom18 Digital Ventures bridging traditional broadcasting and digital innovation.

Viacom has handpicked Gaurav Gandhi, an industry expert from within organization, as the Chief Operating Officer of this venture. His new role is effective 1st August 2015. Gandhi has earlier served as the Group Chief Operating Officer at IndiaCast Media Distribution (a TV18 & Viacom18 venture).

The decision to start a new line of business comes in light of the organization’s strategy to develop a convergent digital media platform for evolved consumers and marketers.

On the announcement of Viacom18 Digital Ventures and the key appointment, Group CEO, Sudhanshu Vats commented, “Broadcast industry is growing rapidly, and digital content, delivery and access are the new green shoots. We are looking to leverage the interception between a highly digital audience and the current content offerings. Gaurav’s rich experience in media, keen understanding of digital, strong base in distribution and his entrepreneurial instinct have made him our obvious choice”.

Says Gaurav Gandhi on the new role, “I am very excited about this opportunity of building out a consumer facing digital business for Viacom 18. With the ever changing media landscape, fast growing high-speed internet access and explosive growth in video consumption across screens, there could not be a better time to move forward in this space. We at Viacom 18 want to be the forefront of this digital convergence with our products & content offerings”

Gaurav Gandhi, who has a rich & diverse experience in media & broadcast sector, joined Viacom18 as Chief Commercial Officer & Head of International Business in March 2010. His previous stints in leadership roles have been at NDTV Imagine (Executive Vice President - Business Operations & Content Sales); Star TV / Star Group  (Vice President, Commercial & Business Planning); Turner International India and Madison Communications.