Network18 has appointed media industry veteran Raj Jain as an Independent Director on its board for a period of five years, effective March 25, 2026, to March 24, 2031, marking a key addition to its leadership at a time of strategic expansion.

According to a press release issued by Network18, Jain brings with him extensive experience across media and consumer-facing businesses. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd, and has also held leadership roles as CEO of Walmart India and Managing Director and CEO of Whirlpool India, giving him a diverse perspective across industries.

Welcoming the appointment, Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman of Network18, said Jain brings a rare combination of media and consumer leadership. He noted that Jain’s experience in leading large organisations, driving transformation and strengthening corporate governance will add significant value as the company continues to scale its businesses and focus on long-term growth.

The appointment comes at a time when Network18 is sharpening its focus on integrated news and content delivery across television, digital and regional platforms, while also expanding into newer formats driven by creators and emerging technologies. The company has been actively building a multi-platform ecosystem that aligns with evolving audience consumption patterns.

Commenting on his new role, Jain said he is pleased to join the board at a time when technology is reshaping how audiences engage with content. He highlighted Network18’s strong media-tech capabilities and its leadership in building brands across TV, digital and the creator ecosystem, adding that he looks forward to supporting its continued growth in an increasingly converged media landscape.

Network18 continues to maintain a strong presence across broadcast and digital segments. Its TV news channels, including CNN-News18 and News18 India, along with its regional network, remain leaders across markets. In the business news category, CNBC-TV18 and CNBC Awaaz have sustained their top positions. The company’s digital platforms, including Moneycontrol and News18, also continue to rank among the top players in their segments, as per Comscore data.