Viacom18 launches digital biz, appoints Gaurav Gandhi as COO

Media firm Viacom18 today announced the launch of its new digital business and named Gaurav Gandhi as its Chief Operating Officer. The new entity 'Viacom18 Digital Ventures' will bridge traditional broadcasting and digital innovation, the media firm said in a statement. Gandhi's appointment will be effective August 1, 2015.

He has earlier worked as 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 organisation's strategy to develop a convergent digital media platform for evolved consumers and marketers," the company said in a statement.

Viacom18 Group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said: "The 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." Gandhi had joined Viacom18 in March 2010 and previously worked with NDTV Imagine, Star TV Turner International India and Madison Communications in leadership roles.