MUMBAI — Network18 Media & Investments Limited has announced the appointment of seasoned industry veteran Raj Jain as an Independent Director on its board. The appointment, effective from March 25, 2026, carries a five-year tenure ending on March 24, 2031.
Jain, best known for his leadership as the former CEO of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd (The Times Group), brings a high-caliber blend of media expertise and consumer business strategy to the Reliance-backed media conglomerate.
A Multidisciplinary Leadership Profile
Raj Jain’s career spans several high-stakes leadership roles across diverse sectors:
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Media & Publishing: Led The Times Group (BCCL), India’s largest media house, through significant periods of digital and print evolution.
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Retail & Supply Chain: Served as the CEO of Walmart India, where he was instrumental in building the retail giant’s domestic operations from the ground up.
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Consumer Durables: Previously held the position of Managing Director and CEO of Whirlpool India, managing large-scale manufacturing and distribution networks.
Strategic Value to Network18
The appointment comes as Network18 accelerates its transition into a “media-tech” powerhouse, focusing on integrated news delivery across TV, digital, and regional platforms.
“Raj’s deep understanding of scale, transformation, and corporate governance will add significant value as we continue to strengthen our businesses,” said Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman of Network18.
Jain noted that he joins the board at a pivotal time when technology is reshaping audience engagement. He expressed his commitment to supporting the company’s growth within an increasingly converged media landscape, particularly across its TV, digital, and creator ecosystems.
Governance Outlook
By bringing in an Independent Director with Jain’s pedigree, Network18 signals a focus on:
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Scaling Digital Platforms: Utilizing his experience in large-scale organizational transformation to drive digital growth.
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Corporate Oversight: Strengthening the board’s independent oversight during a period of rapid expansion into newer content formats.
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Cross-Sector Insights: Leveraging his consumer-centric background to deepen viewer connections and advertiser relationships.
