MUMBAI: In December last year, Vivaki Exchange Mona Jain had put in her papers. The move came in after Lodestar UM and Cheil won the Samsung account from Starcom MediaVest Group.

Jain, who has more than two decades of experience in marketing communications, was tight-lipped about her next move. Her joining Zee comes as a pleasant surprise to many.

In-line with its plans to strengthen the senior sales team, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel) today announced the appointment of Jain as EVP-cluster head and Rahul Sharma as sr. VP-national sales head.

Speaking on both the appointments, Zeel chief sales officer Ashish Sehgal said, “We are extremely happy to have two media stalwarts join us from the industry. Mona brings with her an immense experience and understanding of the industry. She has been instrumental in key media launches and her knowledge will be really valuable in reinforcing our relationship with agencies & clients. Mona will play a key role in developing brand solutions, setting up a business model for geo-targeting & agency relationship management. She will also head the North region leading the Business Development team, new initiatives and niche channels.”

“Rahul comes with a digital background, which will add a new dimension in selling traditional media. His proven skills in establishing start-up operations and successful launch of channel brands will play an integral role in helping the Company achieve its business objectives”; Sehgal further added.

Commenting on her joining, Jain stated, “I am extremely pleased to be stepping into this position. ZEE looks poised for huge growth and it will be very exciting to be a part of this journey.”

With over 20 years of experience in media and FMCG, Sharma said, “I have been a part of Television and it’s home coming to me. I am excited to join ZEE and be a part of the biggest Television Network.”

Both the appointments are with effect from 5th March, 2014.