MUMBAI: Viacom18, one of India’s fastest growing multi-platform entertainment networks, has announced its new digital business, Viacom18 Digital Ventures on 13 July. This move is an attempt to bridge traditional broadcasting and digital innovation. 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.

To head the new initiative, Viacom18 has handpicked Gaurav Gandhi as the Chief Operating Officer of this venture. His new role comes into effect from 1 August. Gandhi earlier served as the Group Chief Operating Officer at IndiaCast Media Distribution, which is also a TV18 & Viacom18 venture.

Speaking on the announcement of Viacom18 Digital Ventures and its key appointment, Group CEO, Sudhanshu Vats commented, “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, strong base in distribution, and his entrepreneurial instinct have made him our obvious choice”.

Speaking on his new role, Gandhi said, “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 the forefront of this digital convergence with our products and content offerings.”

Gandhi 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.