Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), now known as Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited, has announced the appointment of Mukund Acharya as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective June 19, 2025. The network has brought him on board to lead its technology-driven transformation across linear television and digital verticals, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and future-ready solutions.

According to the official SPNI press release, Mukund Acharya will oversee SPNI’s consolidated technology portfolio, which includes the Enterprise Technology Group (ETG), LIV Technology, and Broadcast Operations and Network Engineering (B.O.N.E.). His mandate is to align technological strategy with SPNI’s expanding broadcast and digital business goals, while accelerating platform innovation and operational agility.

Mukund brings nearly three decades of rich experience in engineering leadership and digital transformation. Prior to this, he served as Head of Engineering at Disney+ Hotstar (now JioStar), where he played a pivotal role in executing the high-stakes merger of Hotstar and JioCinema apps. During his tenure, he also led seamless tech delivery for several high-traffic sporting events, including the ICC Cricket World Cups in 2023, 2024, and 2025. His previous stints include key leadership roles at Yahoo and InMobi, where he built scalable digital platforms and drove next-gen product innovation.

At SPNI, Mukund will report to Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director and CEO, who praised the appointment, saying, “Mukund’s proven leadership in technology-led transformation makes him an invaluable addition to our team. As we expand our digital and broadcast capabilities, his role will be critical in aligning our technology roadmap with our vision for growth and innovation.”

Mukund will also collaborate closely with the leadership of Sony LIV to guide the OTT platform through its next phase of digital growth and ecosystem integration.

As one of India’s leading media and entertainment conglomerates, SPNI (Culver Max Entertainment) operates 28 premium television channels and the flagship digital platform Sony LIV. The network is present in over 150 countries and reaches more than 700 million viewers in India alone.

This appointment comes as SPNI marks 30 years of operations in India. The network continues to be recognised for its people-first culture, having won multiple workplace awards including India’s Best Companies to Work For 2021, and consistent accolades from AVTAR & Seramount’s Most Inclusive Companies Index.