Mumbai: In a significant strategic move, NDTV has appointed Rahul Shaw to lead its experiential business, signalling the network’s entry into India’s fast-growing experience economy. This appointment comes at a pivotal time, with India’s organized events and experiential segment projected to grow at a 19% CAGR, crossing ₹202 billion by 2027.
With over 30 years of experience across print, television, GECs, sports, radio, and brand activations, Rahul Shaw brings a unique combination of creative vision and commercial acumen. Known for building scalable media assets and pioneering new formats, Shaw is set to drive NDTV’s next phase of growth by building immersive, culturally resonant, and high-impact experiences.
“NDTV is a brand that’s etched in public memory—for its trust, its poise, its sharp journalism, and for always being ahead of the curve in innovation. Today, we have an opportunity to extend that credibility into the world of immersive experiences to create conversations that are not only seen but felt. The audience today isn’t just looking to attend. They want to engage. And this is where the experiential business at NDTV comes in as a platform that delivers on that promise,” said Rahul Shaw.
Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, NDTV, added, “Over several years, I have seen first-hand Rahul Shaw’s aggression and ambition and his ability to think and act big and bold. Shaw’s entry is a major force multiplier for NDTV at this stage in the journey of the business. I am extremely bullish on the prospects of the experiences economy and confident that NDTV can be a key player in this fast-growing vertical.”
In his new role, Shaw will focus on building flagship IPs, immersive formats, and large-scale public-facing experiences that reach audiences across India, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where the hunger for curated, meaningful engagement is on the rise.
Experiential formats don’t just entertain—they catalyze local economies, generating demand in hospitality, stage production, F&B, travel, and talent management. Shaw’s appointment signals NDTV’s intent to shape this ecosystem, bringing together journalism, cultural imagination, and community engagement in real-time.
Rahul Shaw has previously held leadership roles at TV Today Network, Star India, Zee Entertainment, SET India, Turner International, NDTV Imagine, INX News, and Bennett Coleman & Co. As CEO of TV Today Network, he led channels like Aaj Tak, India Today TV, and Good News Today, while expanding the group’s on-ground activation capabilities. He is also credited with successful IPs such as Sahitya Aaj Tak and the Yo Yo Honey Singh Millionaire Tour, which captured India’s evolving cultural pulse.
Recognized as ENBA’s CEO of the Year, Shaw’s career reflects a relentless commitment to innovation and impact. At NDTV, his mandate will extend beyond event creation—reimagining how audiences experience storytelling itself.
