MUMBAI: Entertainment media organization 9X Media Pvt. Ltd. announced the appointment of Ashwinikumar Patil as the new Head of Programming of its Marathi Music channel - 9X Jhakaas. The nation's first Marathi music channel was launched in 2011.

Ashiwinikumar Patil joins the company after successful and long stint in the radio space. The former RJ at Mumbai's Big FM station, Patil extended the journey at Big FM with the launch of Big FM’s stations in Solapur, Gwalior and Indore. Patil also held the position of Regional Non-Fiction Head at Reliance Big Productions.

Patil also possesses immense experience in the production side of entertainment business. With successful stints at Zee Marathi and Zee Talkies, Patil joins 9X Jhakaas and would report to the Chief Programming Officer of 9X Media, Amar Tidke.

Speaking on joining 9X Jhakaas, Ashwinikumar Patil said, “I am extremely pleased to be a part of the young and vibrant team at 9X Jhakaas. The Channel has achieved an unprecedented growth in a very short span of time and has played a crucial role in reviving the Marathi film & music industry. I look forward to a very productive and successful future with 9X Jhakaas.”

Commenting on Patil's appointment, Chief Programming Officer of 9X Media Pvt., Amar Tidke said, “Jhakaas has grown manifold times since its launch 4 years ago. Today, the Channel is a major player in the Marathi music and entertainment industry. I welcome Ashwinikumar on board. I am sure his rich and diverse experience will be of immense value to 9X Jhakaas as the Channel enters the next phase of growth.”