Network18 has announced a senior management re-alignment to emphasize the group's focus on its web and mobile businesses and digital convergence. As a part of this new focus, Lakshmi Narasimhan (pictured), who was earlier heading the group’s special interest publishing and printing operations business, Infomedia18 will now move in as the CEO of Web18, the group’s web and mobile business. Web18 runs web portals like Moneycontrol.com, In.com, Ibnlive.com and a host of other web based services and applications.
In addition, Surya Mantha who was earlier the CEO of Web18, is now in charge of convergence initiatives at Network18. Re-designated as executive director, Convergence, Network18, his mandate will be to unlock value by leveraging the digital and community building opportunities across the group’s TV and print brands. Straddling across TV18, IBN18 and Infomedia18 media assets, the role will further focus on new convergence initiatives for the Group.
Speaking on the re-alignment, Haresh Chawla, Group CEO Network 18 said “With this re-alignment, Network18 aims to establish independent focus on its fast-expanding web and mobile business and at the same time ensure that all its offline media assets are leveraged digitally. Web18 is a high-thrust business for the Group and we are delighted that Lakshmi will now drive this business”