Mumbai: Media distribution veteran and former IndiaCast CEO Anuj Gandhi has joined Reliance Jio as Chief Business Officer – Digital Entertainment, strengthening the telecom major’s push to build an integrated, content-first connected-TV ecosystem in India.
Gandhi announced the move in a LinkedIn post, stating that his mandate at Jio Platforms includes leading the company’s digital entertainment services spanning JioTV, JioTV+ and Jio TeleOS strategy. His remit covers platform growth, operating system planning and execution, as well as end-to-end content strategy, acquisition and partnerships.
“I’m pleased to share my role as Chief Business Officer – Digital Entertainment Services at Jio Platforms Limited,” Gandhi wrote. “My remit includes platforms JioTV and JioTV+, OS strategy for Jio TeleOS, and content planning, acquisition and strategic partnerships.”
He added that he will lead a cross-functional organisation across commercial, product, sales and delivery functions to build what he described as a “consumer-centric, content-first ecosystem” for the Indian market.
“The mission is clear: building a truly consumer-centric, content-first ecosystem… redefining how millions consume media. Exciting times ahead as we build the future of the living room,” he said.
Strategic hire for Jio’s connected-TV ambitions
Gandhi’s appointment comes as Reliance Jio accelerates its ambitions in digital entertainment aggregation and smart-TV platforms. JioTV and JioTV+ form the core of Jio’s broadband and connected-home offering, integrating linear television, OTT apps and interactive services across devices.
The addition of OS strategy—through Jio TeleOS—signals Jio’s intent to control the full stack of the living-room experience, from operating system and interface to content aggregation and monetisation.
Veteran of India’s TV distribution sector
Gandhi brings over two decades of experience across cable, satellite and digital TV distribution. He previously served as Group CEO of IndiaCast, the TV18–Viacom18 distribution and content monetisation joint venture, from 2012 to 2021, where he expanded global licensing and digital distribution revenues.
Before IndiaCast, he founded and led DEN Networks, one of India’s largest cable distribution companies, and earlier headed SET Discovery, the Sony–Discovery distribution joint venture.
Following his exit from IndiaCast, Gandhi launched Streambox Media, focused on connected-TV solutions including the “Dor” TV platform integrating OTT services and smart-TV subscriptions.
With Jio Platforms increasingly positioning the television as the next digital battleground after mobile, Gandhi’s role is expected to bridge platform technology, content partnerships and monetisation models across Jio’s entertainment stack. His appointment also comes amid intensifying competition in India’s connected-TV and super-aggregation space, with telecom operators, smart-TV makers and global streamers vying for control of the home screen.
