MUMBAI: Reliance Broadcast Network (RBNL), the Reliance ADAG?s multi-media entertainment company with businesses across radio, television, intellectual properties, out of home and television production, has appointed Madhukar Pandey as business head for its Central India Cluster covering UP, MP, Bihar and Jharkhand.

This cluster would include RBNL?s variety entertainment channel Big Magic and Big FM?s network of 11 stations in the cluster.

Pandey will report to RBNL EVP marketing and Big Magic Anand Chakravarthy.

In his new role Pandey will be responsible for the overall functioning of the businesses in the Central India region, in functions that would range marketing and sales, managing the P&L and overseeing the product development and implementation of plans in the region.

"We are pleased to have someone who brings a hands-on approach to running a business as well as creativity, on board RBNL. Madhukar will lead Big Magic and Big FM?s operations in the highly competitive and growing central Indian market. With his unique depth of experience in the region, I am sure he will contribute enormously to help take the company to greater heights," Chakravarthy said.

Pandey added, "The values and winning culture of RBNL are truly motivating and I am sure this new journey is going to be very fulfilling. I look forward to capitalise on the many opportunities that lie ahead and set new benchmarks in this challenging role."

Prior to joining RBNL, Pandey was with MetLife Insurance serving as GM regional head.

He comes with over 14 years of experience in areas such as life insurance and information technology. He started his career in the area of IT education and served organisations such as NIIT, CMC, and Informatics in various capacities.

Later, he made a transition into the life insurance space and spent over seven years working with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, HDFC Standard Life and MetLife Insurance.