Viacom18 to launch digital venture; appoints Gaurav Gandhi as COO

Viacom18 has announced the launch of its digital business called Viacom18 Digital Ventures that will be a bridge between traditional broadcasting and digital innovation.

According to the company, 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.

Sudhanshu Vats, group CEO, Viacom18, comments, "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. Gaurav's rich experiences in media, keen understanding of digital and distribution, and entrepreneurial instinct have made him our obvious choice."

On his new role, Gandhi adds, "I am very excited about this opportunity of building out a consumer facing digital business for Viacom 18. With the ever-changing media landscape, fast growing, high-speed internet access and explosive growth in video consumption across screens, there could not be a better time to move forward in this space. We, at Viacom 18, want to be at the forefront of this digital convergence with our products and content offerings."

Gandhi has a rich and diverse experience in media and broadcast sector. He joined Viacom18 as chief commercial officer and head of International Business in March 2010. His previous stints in leadership roles have been at NDTV Imagine (executive vice president - business operations & content sales); Star TV / Star Group (vice president, commercial & business planning); Turner International India and Madison Communications.