MUMBAI: Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms has roped in its favourite Media man Sameer Nair as its Group CEO.
Before stepping in as Group CEO, Sameer was acting as a consultant for them on freelance basis for couple of months. Later on the board was determined to bring him on full time basis. Apparently, on 15th July, the board of directors meet and consented to rope him in.
Speaking to a tabloid Sammer Nair said, “I have enjoyed a wonderful association with the Kapoor family since 2000 following the launch of the hugely successful ‘K-series’ on Star Plus and later with their shows on Imagine. Undoubtedly the team has done a remarkable job of creating one of the most vibrant entities in content generation. The M&E industry is currently at a very dynamic stage and will continue to present several exciting opportunities across all segments, heralding significant change in times to come. I am delighted to have the opportunity of being a part of an extremely exciting business at one of India’s most pioneering, creative and talented media houses. Given BTL’s several strengths as a business, it is very well poised to capitalise on emerging growth prospects. I look forward to working together with Ekta, Shobhaji and the team, in driving strategic initiatives, furthering the Group’s vision of being regarded as an innovative entertainment powerhouse and enhancing value for all stakeholders.”
Balaji Telefilms MD Shobha Kapoor added, “We are delighted to have Mr. Nair joining the Balaji family. Sameer brings with him immense and diverse experience in the media and entertainment industry and an acknowledged record of content innovation, business leadership besides being an excellent resource unifier. Over the last several years we have built an unparalleled franchise in creation of television content and have also developed a very strong brand equity within the film production segment. We are excited that Mr. Nair possesses the same passion for entertainment as us and we look forward to him further reinforcing Balaji’s inherent strengths in both segments and driving the Company’s growth & expansion strategies to help us scale greater heights.”
Nair started his TV career in 1994 where he began as a director-producer for Star Movies, Star’s English movie channel. In 2000, his career as well as Star reached higher peaks with Kaun Banega Crorepati which helped take Star Plus over take Zee TV’s dominance to become numero uno and kept it in top position for a decade. He quit Star India after 13 years of association in 2003.
After that, he joined NDTV Imagine as CEO and launched the channel too.
Sameer Nair and Balaji Telefilms always enjoyed excellent rapport as they together did lot of wonders for Star TV. In fact Balaji Telefilms had an exclusive tie-up with Star India with few time bands being reserved exclusively for Balaji Telefilms.
