MUMBAI: B4U Network is setting its organisation in place. After the appointment of Sunil Rohra as global chief executive in November 2004, the company has appointed an operational head in India.

BL Gautam, who had quit Zee Telefilms last year to set up a media consultancy service, has joined as the chief operating officer of B4U Network - India Operations. He will work in close co-ordination with B4U Network's business heads in the overseas territories and will be reporting to Rohra.

Says Rohra, "Gautam is a seasoned media professional who truly understands the intricacies and dynamics of the television industry and Bollywood programming. This is a strategic appointment to consolidate and streamline our operations in India."

Gautam, on his new assignment in B4U, says, "Television is moving into its most exciting phase ever with 'Bollywood' and 'Music' poised to play a more innovative role in the medium and we at B4U hope to be at the forefront of the movement."

At Zee Telefilms, Gautam was senior vice-president and later a director commercial from 2000 to 2004. Before joining Zee, Gautam was a distinguished civil servant and served the Indian Government as the superintendent of customs and was awarded the presidential Award in 1998 for distinguished service in that role.