MUMBAI: In a surprising turn of events, Viacom18 announced that its group CEO and managing director Sudhanshu Vats has resigned from his post. He held the position for eight years.

The press release issued by the company states that Vats is leaving behind a strong leadership team looking after the various verticals in the group and they will continue to manage those under the leadership of Network18 group managing director Rahul Joshi. Vats will be serving at Viacom18 till 15 April 2020.

During his years at the company, Vats expanded the media network’s footprint into new business lines of Digital, Experiential Entertainment and Consumer Products. He also strengthened Viacom18’s position in Hindi mass entertainment, regional, kids, music & English entertainment and turned around the filmed entertainment business with content-led cinema. Viacom18 has grown from a six to a 54-channel network with its video-on-demand platform, Voot, helping it establish a strong digital presence.

Network18, RIL’s flagship in Media and Entertainment, has driven value-addition and synergies across the multi-platform group comprising broadcast, digital, filmed and experiential entertainment and media businesses. As a part of the Network18 group, Viacom18 has grown as a prominent entertainment broadcaster (ex-sports), with an 11.1 per cent viewership share and is poised for accelerated growth in broadcasting, film studio and OTT offerings.

Speaking on the development, Network18 board chairman Adil Zainulbhai, said, “Sudhanshu is a dynamic and admired leader in corporate India today. Not only has he led from the front in shaping up Viacom18’s growth story, he has also championed the cause of the sector at the various industry bodies that he has captained. While we are sad to lose him, it is equally reassuring to know that we have a strong second line that’s raring to go. I’d like to wish Sudhanshu all the very best for his future endeavours.”

Speaking about his journey at Viacom18, Sudhanshu Vats said, “It has been an extremely challenging and satisfying 8 years at the helm of Viacom18. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best minds in M&E industry to chart the growth story of Viacom18. We have together built one of the most admired media company of brilliant storytellers with diversified presence across screens and platforms. As I look forward to taking up newer challenges, I shall always cherish the learnings in leading India’s youngest and fastest-growing media and entertainment company.”