Sanjeev Srivastava to be CEO and editor-in-chief, Sahara News Media

Apart from Srivastava, the Sahara group also gets Upendra Rai aboard as editor and news director

Sanjeev Srivastava has been appointed the chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Sahara News Media and will be in charge of all media related activities of the Sahara group. In addition, Upendra Rai has been named the editor and news director of the group. Both Srivastava and Rai will report to Subroto Roy, chairperson, Sahara Group.

Srivastava, who will join Sahara in January 2010, says, "Joining Sahara is a great challenge as I have had a stint at BBC for almost 16 years. Coming back to an Indian media organisation will be a distinct experience. I had a desire to come back and what better opportunity than the Sahara group? Sahara news media has notable presence in all spheres, be it Hindi, Urdu or the regional space. I want the already established Sahara brand to be better and stronger in the coming days, and especially more impactful in its performance."

Srivastava has more than 25 years of experience in journalism and has been associated with organisations such as The Times of India, Indian Express and for the past 16 years, he has been with BBC. As editor, BBC India, Srivastava was head of the entire BBC Hindi clan, performing through media such as FM, shortwave and online.

Upendra Rai joins the Sahara brand as editor and news director from STAR News, where he worked as senior editor. This is a full circle for Rai as in the initial stages of his career, he was a journalist in the Sahara group about 12 years ago. Subsequently, he has also worked for CNBC and then at STAR News.

Rai says, "Sahara has the potential as it envisions becoming the most successful media brand in the Indian media industry. I relate to such a vision aspired by the group as it is an exemplary phase of Sahara's journey in the media world."