Bhaskar Das takes over from Pradeep Guha at TOI

Bhaskar Das, director, response, is set to take over from Pradeep Guha who has resigned from the position of president, The Times Of India (TOI) group. While Das was unavailable for comment, this development was confirmed by senior sources at TOI. agencyfaqs! was told, "Das will have the all-India responsibility of response with immediate effect". However, Guha will continue to work for a few weeks to facilitate the smooth transfer of responsibilities.

Guha, who has worked with the Times Group for 29 years is moving to ZEE Telefilms as chief executive officer. The senior management at Bennett, Coleman & Company acknowledges Guha's contribution in the growth of Times Brand. According to an internal communique, "The company during this period has grown from a production-centric entity to a vibrant market-driving conglomerate. Guha played a key role in this transition and built a strong response team with excellent systems and professionalism." In the note, the group also acknowledged his efforts to put beauty contests on the world map at a time when "even event marketing was unheard of".

Guha will assume his office at ZEE Telefilms in January 2005. Announcing this appointment, Subhash Chandra, chairman ZEE Telefilms, said, "Our numerous channels spanning several languages and genres will be the perfect foil to Guha's skills as a media and entertainment expert."

Guha has also been closely associated with various industry bodies representing the advertising and marketing fraternities. He has held important positions at the Indian Newspaper Society, National Readership Studies Council, Advertising Council of India, Advertising Club Bombay, among others. In 2003, he brought all his diverse skills together to spearhead Asia's largest biennial advertising Congress, Ad Asia, that was held in Jaipur, India.

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