New Delhi: Times Group has announced a significant leadership restructuring, elevating Navika Kumar to the role of Group Editor-in-Chief, while appointing Zakka Jacob as Managing Editor – Times Now. The development, shared via an internal communication and reported by media outlets, signals a strategic realignment of editorial leadership across the network.
Navika Kumar, a long-standing face of Times Now, will continue anchoring her prime-time show on weekdays at 9 PM even as she assumes broader group-level responsibilities. In her expanded role, she will also spearhead a new podcast initiative and mentor the group’s editorial and content creation teams.
According to the internal note, “Over the past two decades, Navika has had a key contribution in the growth and stellar leadership of Times Now, and also in the launch and rapid ascent of Times Now Navbharat. She has not only steered both newsrooms through complex and high-stakes environments, but has also built a culture of sharp, impactful journalism that resonates across the country and beyond.”
With over three decades of experience, Kumar is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping editorial direction across platforms. She will continue to be based out of Noida and report to Vineet Jain, Managing Director, and N. Subramanian, Group CEO, Times Group.
As part of the transition, Zakka Jacob has been brought in to oversee the day-to-day editorial operations of Times Now. “As Navika transitions into this larger role, we are pleased to welcome Zakka Jacob as Managing Editor – Times Now, taking over the day-to-day editorial leadership of the channel,” the communication noted.
Jacob joins from CNN-News18, where he served as Managing Editor. A seasoned broadcast journalist, he brings extensive experience in leading large-scale newsrooms and shaping editorial strategy in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Over his career spanning both domestic and international assignments, he has earned the Asian Television Award for Best Anchor twice—making him the only Indian anchor to achieve this distinction.
In his new role, all core newsroom functions including Input, Output, and Production will report to Jacob. He will be based in Noida and report to Ashish Sehgal, CEO – Times TV Network & Chief Growth Officer, Media & Entertainment.
The dual appointments underscore Times Group’s focus on strengthening editorial leadership while balancing continuity with fresh operational oversight, as legacy broadcast networks navigate an increasingly competitive and digital-first news ecosystem.
