MUMBAI: ABP News Network former CEO Ashok Venkatramani has been appointed as the new MD of Zee Media Corporation Ltd (ZMCL) for three years. The appointment will come into effect from 1 July 2018.

“Based on recommendation of Nomination & Remuneration Committee and subject to requisite regulatory approvals, including approval of shareholders, appointment of Mr. Ashok Venkatramani as Managing Director of the company [is approved] for a period of three years with effect from July 1, 2018,” ZMCL informed the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Venkatramani brings with him an experience of over 25 years in FMCG and broadcasting sectors. Prior to joining ZMCL, he also worked with ABP group for over eight years having joined ABP News in 2008. 

Venkatramani started his career with Unilever. He was the VP and business head – skincare for Unilever in India till 2008, before moving as the CEO of ABP News Network, which he headed until 2016. He was instrumental in turning around ABP’s TV news business and successfully managed the transition from Star brand to ABP.

Venkatramani, 55, is a B. Tech from Bombay University and has done his management education from Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and Harvard Business School.