Deepak Dhar promoted to managing director, Endemol India

Deepak Dhar, who was working as a creative director with Endemol India, has now been promoted as managing director. This development follows the exit of Rajesh Kamath, who, from next month, will head the general entertainment channel planned jointly by Network18 and Viacom. Dhar comes into his new role from January 2008.

Dhar joined Endemol India in 2005 along with Kamath. Since then, they have together been responsible for the operations of the company. Dhar has produced popular shows for Endemol such as Big Brother, Operación Triunfo and Mission Ustaad.

Prior to Endemol India, Dhar worked with STAR TV as group head, programming. He was instrumental in producing shows such as Pop Stars and The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. He was with STAR TV for close to five years. Before joining STAR, Dhar was senior producer at MTV for three years.

Marco Bassetti, chief operating officer, Endemol, says, “Deepak Dhar has done considerable good work for Endemol in India. We are confident that he will lead Endemol India forward to exploit the considerable opportunities in this growing market. However, we are sorry to see Rajesh Kamath go after two years at the company and wish him all the very best for the future.”