BackReliance Entertainment elevates Shibasish Sarkar to group CEO
Shibasish Sarkar joined Reliance Entertainment in 2007 as chief financial officerHe changed the company’s strategy and pushed the joint venture business model with Bollywood filmmakers
PremiumNew Delhi: Media and entertainment company Reliance Entertainment has elevated Shibasish Sarkar to the new role of group chief executive officer — content, digital and gaming. Sarkar was previously chief operating officer of the studio.
Having joined Reliance Entertainment in 2007 as chief financial officer, Sarkar has 25 years of operational and financial experience across films and TV production and distribution, digital content and gaming.
Founded in 2008, Reliance Entertainment was initially struggling in its film business with poor box office performers like 'Bobby Jasoos' (2014), 'Hawaizaada' (2015) and 'Te3n' (2016). Sarkar changed the company’s strategy and stopped acquiring films. Instead he pushed the joint venture business model with leading Bollywood filmmakers like Rohit Shetty, Imtiaz Ali, Neeraj Pandey, S. Shashikant, Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, and Madhu Mantena, among others. The turnaround for the company happened with films like 'Udta Punjab' (2016), 'Rustom' (2017) and 'Golmaal Again' (2017). The company’s most recent outing, 'Simmba', made in association with Shetty starring Ranveer Singh, has clocked in Rs. 400 crore worldwide. Upcoming projects include 'Super 30', director Vikas Bahl’s biopic on Bihar-based mathematician Anand Kumar, starring Hrithik Roshan, and Kabir Khan’s '‘83', a biopic on Kapil Dev, featuring Ranveer Singh.
In addition, Sarkar has led the company’s attempts to deliver television, digital and animation content to GEC (general entertainment channels) and OTT (over-the-top) video streaming platforms.
“Shibasish has been the backbone of our leadership team for over a decade, and has demonstrated excellent organizational capabilities in establishing and scaling up new business operations. We are confident he will lead the company to new heights in the exciting entertainment landscape of the future," said Amitabh Jhunjhunwala, vice-chairman, Reliance Entertainment, in a statement.
In 2018, Sarkar led the process on behalf of Reliance Entertainment for listing its UK-based gaming company, Codemasters, on the London Stock Exchange.
“I am deeply honoured with the trust and confidence reposed in me, and I take this opportunity to thank my extraordinary team, and all partners and associates who have helped build a robust organization. Our goal will continually be to bring entertainment and joy to global audiences across multiple platforms, thereby building great value for all stakeholders," Sarkar said in a statement.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
