Reliance Broadcast Network makes key appointments

The company has appointed Nikhil Mirchandani as business head -- Television, and has promoted Siddharth Bhardwaj as national sales head, 92.7 Big FM and Big Magic.

In a fresh development, Reliance Broadcast Network (RBN) appointed Nikhil Mirchandani as business head -- Television. Prior to this, Mirchandani was executive vice-president and general manager, STAR One.

At RBN, he will be responsible for overseeing the company's English general entertainment channels which were launched under Big CBS -- Prime, Love and Spark, along with all new channels being launched by Reliance Broadcast.

Speaking on the appointment in an official communique, Tarun Katial, chief executive officer (CEO), Reliance Broadcast Network, says, "Mirchandani brings to the position, astute business sense and very high resourcefulness which are the keys to meet the challenging growth trajectory that our television business has set for itself. We look forward to his expertise in taking our television business to the destination we have envisioned."

Mirchandani began his career with GE Capital as a business manager before taking the plunge into the media and entertainment sector, where he has over 13 years of work experience in various companies like Sony Entertainment Television, Turner International, National Geographic Channel (NGC), and STAR India. He was managing director of NGC Network and Fox International Channels for over five years before being shifted to STAR One.

Meanwhile, the company has elevated Siddharth Bhardwaj as national sales head of its radio channels 92.7 Big FM and the regional entertainment channel Big Magic. Before this, Bhardwaj was vice-president of Big FM's North operations.

In his new role, he will be responsible for sales and revenue generation for the company's 45 station radio network and the recently launched Big Magic. He will report to Soumen Ghosh Choudhury, business head, 92.7 Big FM.

Says Choudhury, "Bhardwaj understands the nuances of the radio business and has already added great value to 92.7 Big FM North stations. His keen understanding of media sales and team work, and his persistence as a sales professional are strong attributes that drive his success."

Bhardwaj, who has been with the company for the last three-and-half-years, has more than 16 years of experience in varied sectors. He started his career with Exide Industries and later moved to Elf Lubricant India. He then joined the Punjab circle of Bharti Airtel and looked after its SME Business.