Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) is likely to announce a revamped organisational structure as part of a possible workforce rationalisation exercise that could impact the jobs of nearly 180 to 200 employees, multiple sources close to the development have told exchange4media. The announcement is expected to happen this month.
According to sources, the exercise is part of a broader cost rationalisation exercise amid a challenging advertising environment. The restructuring is understood to be spread across departments, indicating a company-wide review of roles and team structures rather than limited, isolated cuts.
Sources also added that employees impacted by the exercise are expected to receive severance linked to their tenure with the company, with compensation structured on a months-of-pay basis corresponding to the number of years served.
However, some company sources indicated that the actual number of employees affected could be lower than initial estimates and that the rationalisation may impact around 10 percent of SPNI’s total workforce, which is estimated to be approximately 1,200 employees.
“The number of employees who may be affected is somewhere around 150,” a source said, adding that the company is looking to balance cost efficiencies while ensuring continuity in key operations.
e4m reached out to the broadcaster for official comments, but according to them, the number is “speculative and baseless.” However, the broadcaster did not deny the development itself, only disputing the figures cited, indicating that while the scale may vary, restructuring cannot be ruled out.
The broadcaster has seen several key exits and appointments in 2025. The latest departure from SPNI is of Danish Khan, Business Head of SonyLIV, who will exit the company by March 31, 2026, ending over 20 years of service. Khan played a pivotal role in scaling Sony LIV, building Studio NXT, and delivering iconic TV and digital properties.
e4m news break confirmed: Danish Khan to move on from SPNI
Tushar Shah, CMO and Business Head, also stepped down in November, marking a key leadership movement after driving brand refresh, regional growth, and profitable movie and FTA portfolios over 19 years.
Tushar Shah to exit Sony Pictures Networks India after 16 years
Soha D Kulkarni, Vice President and Creative Director–Fiction Programming, exited in September after 8.5 years, having led Sony Marathi’s fiction slate. An e4m Content 40 Under 40 awardee, she brings over 18 years of content experience, including stints at Zee and Balaji Telefilms. Sandeep Mehrotra, Head of Ad Sales – Network Channels, quit in July due to personal reasons after transforming sales strategy, driving growth, and building strategic partnerships.
Soha D Kulkarni steps down as VP, Creative Director-Fiction Programming, at Sony Pictures
SPNI also strengthened its leadership team with key appointments. Gautam Jain joined Sony SAB as Content Lead in August, bringing experience from Amenic Entertainment, Ormax Media, and Mirchi Movies. Suvonkar Banerjee became Creative Director of Studio NEXT in March, joining from Disney+ Hotstar to strengthen digital content.
Gautam Jain named Content Lead at Sony SAB
SPNI's Studio Next onboards Suvonkar Banerjee as Creative Director
Rajaraman S was appointed Head of Content Strategy in January, leveraging over two decades of experience from Disney Star and Viacom18.
Rajaraman S joins Sony Pictures Network India as Head of Content Strategy
In marketing and business leadership, Parinda Singh took charge as Head of Marketing for the Hindi Movie Cluster and Sony Marathi in January, bringing experience from Amazon Prime Video, BCCL, and Star TV Network. Ambesh Tiwari assumed the role of Business Head for Kids and Animation on January 1, succeeding Leena Lele Dutta, with a background across Sony YAY!, TVF, Zee, Viacom18, and Star India.
SPNI appoints Parinda Singh as Head of Marketing - Hindi Movie Cluster & Sony Marathi
Ambesh Tiwari takes charge as Business Head - SPNI (Kids & Animation)
As Gaurav Banerjee completes 16-plus months at Sony, revamping organisational structure may be his attempt to refresh the company and energise the functioning by bringing fresh new talent. However, with JioHotstar getting aggressive in the marketplace and Zee looking to step up investments, if Sony has to retain the edge in the Indian media landscape, Gaurav Banerjee needs to persuade Sony’s headquarters to commit top-dollar investments to the Indian market.
Big leaps require big thinking and big money. Whether Gaurav Banerjee will be able to convince his bosses at Sony’s headquarters, following this restructuring, that Sony India is ready for fresh investment is something we will know in future.