E&Y India elevates Farokh Balsara as leader, Media & Entertainment Practice (EMEIA)

In his new role, Balsara will drive the sector programme throughout Europe, West Asia, India, and Africa.

Ernst & Young (E&Y) India has promoted Farokh Balsara as leader, Media & Entertainment (M&E) for Europe, Middle East (West Asia), India, and Africa (EMEIA) region. Prior to the elevation, Balsara headed the India operations.

Talking about the promotion, Julie Teigland, accounts, industries and business development leader (EMEIA), Ernst & Young, says, "Over the last several years, Balsara has built what is undoubtedly India's leading media and entertainment practice among professional services firms, advising both Indian and multinational media and entertainment companies. The appointment is also reflective of the growing importance of the Indian media and entertainment sector on the global landscape, as well as the strength of Ernst & Young's media and entertainment practice in India."

Based in Mumbai, Balsara, in his new role, will drive the sector programme throughout Europe, West Asia, India, and Africa.

"Ernst & Young is the market leader in the media and entertainment industry. We have a strong media and entertainment industry practice in France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, India, and the Nordics. I look forward to work with a strong EMEIA-wide team of professionals to significantly ramp up our transactions and advisory practice for M&E, and help grow the business with fresh, innovative services to our clients," says Balsara.

In his career of 25 years, Balsara has, for the most part, extensively advised several large Indian M&E companies in risk management and in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of key processes. He joined Arthur Andersen in 1986, and was there for the next 15 years, as partner and leader, M&E sector. He joined E&Y India in 2002, as partner and market leader, India.

Balsara has also carried out market reviews and feasibility studies, and developed entry strategies for multinational M&E companies wanting to establish a business presence in India. He has also specialised in providing a range of transaction support services to multinationals, strategic investors, and private equity funds across sector categories including television, films, new media, radio and music, advertising and marketing, as well as print.