MUMBAI: Zee News Ltd (ZNL) has appointed Punit Goenka as managing director of the company.

Goenka has replaced Laxmi N Goel, whose resignation was accepted by the ZNL board. Goel will, however, continue as a non-executive director on the board.

The change is effective 5 July. Goel will continue to drive Essel Group's real estate business.

Goenka, the eldest son of Subhash Chandra, is also MD and CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel). He was designated as MD of Zeel starting 1 January.

ZNL owns and operates the news channels of Zee network.