Noida: In a significant leadership reshuffle in India’s media industry, Raktim Das is all set to join Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), according to media reports. Das will succeed Karan Abhishek Singh, who is expected to move on after a 15-month stint at the helm.
Das, a seasoned media professional with over two decades of experience across India’s leading media conglomerates, recently resigned as Chief Growth Officer (Digital & Broadcasting) at TV9 Network. Reports suggest that October 31, 2025, will mark his last working day at TV9.
At TV9 Network, Das played a pivotal role in shaping growth strategies across broadcast, digital, and OTT platforms, while leading Studio9, the network’s branded content powerhouse. Under his leadership, TV9 strengthened its presence in content innovation, integrated storytelling, and brand monetization.
Earlier, as COO of TV9 Studio, Das steered the development of branded entertainment and non-FCT revenue streams. Prior to that, at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, he headed Innovation Studio and Custom Content, where he spearheaded award-winning brand collaborations and strategic campaigns.
His extensive career spans leadership roles at Network18 Media & Investments Limited, NewsX, Zee News Limited, India Today Group, and The Times of India. Recognized for his unique ability to integrate editorial excellence with business innovation, Raktim Das is known for pioneering content-led monetization models and driving media transformation strategies that bridge creativity and commercial success.
Meanwhile, Karan Abhishek Singh, the outgoing CEO of Zee Media Corporation Limited, is set to conclude his tenure after taking charge in July 2024.
Before joining ZMCL, Singh had a distinguished five-year stint at Network18 Media & Investments Limited, where he served as CEO of Hindi News (TV & Digital) from 2021 to 2024. He oversaw a powerful cluster of seven Hindi news channels, including News18 India, driving robust growth in ratings, revenues, and profitability through strategic innovation and technology-led transformation.
Earlier, as CEO – Languages at Network18, Singh successfully expanded the network’s regional footprint across southern, western, and eastern India.
Prior to his media leadership roles, Singh built a strong foundation in sales, marketing, and P&L management through stints at Star India, PepsiCo, Nokia India, Godrej Sara Lee, Hindustan Unilever, and GE Capital. At Star India, between 2013 and 2018, he held key ad sales leadership roles, managing strategic partnerships with top advertisers and agencies.
While reports suggest that Das will soon take over from Singh at Zee Media, neither TV9 Network nor Das has issued an official confirmation. There is also speculation that Manish Seth, another senior executive at TV9, may be moving on, though such leadership transitions typically remain confidential until finalized.
If confirmed, Raktim Das’s appointment would mark his return to the Zee ecosystem—this time to lead one of India’s largest integrated news networks—bringing with him a proven track record of growth strategy, brand innovation, and transformative leadership across the media spectrum.
