Viacom18 boss leaves company

Viacom18’s group CEO and MD is stepping down after eight years at the helm of the joint venture between India’s TV18 and US media giant ViacomCBS.

Sudhanshu Vats

Sudhanshu Vats will exit the company today, with Rahul Joshi, currently MD of TV18 parent company Network18, taking on the additional roles of group CEO and MD of Viacom18.

During his tenure at Viacom18, Vats has expanded the media network’s footprint into new business lines such as experiential entertainment, consumer products and digital, including VoD platform Voot.

Vats’ next move is not yet known. Adil Zainulbhai, chairman of the Network18 board, said: “Sudhanshu is a dynamic and admired leader in corporate India today. Not only has he led from the front in shaping up Viacom18’s growth story, he has also championed the cause of the sector at the various industry bodies that he has captained.

“While we are sad to lose him, it is equally reassuring to know we have a strong second line that’s raring to go. I’d like to wish Sudhanshu all the very best for his future endeavours.”

Viacom18 was formed in 2007 as a 50/50 venture between TV18 and ViacomCBS, then known as Viacom, to bring MTV, Nickelodeon and VH1 into India.

The group now operates more than 50 television channels, including the original three channels plus networks such as Colors, Nick Jr and Comedy Central.