BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks under Sapphire Media Limited, has elevated Sunil Kumaran to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Kumaran, who has been with the brand for over 14 years and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, takes charge following the exit of Abe Thomas, who led the network’s transformation since 2018 and will now pursue his next passion.

In a press release, Sahil Mangla, Chairman of Sapphire Media Limited, expressed gratitude to Thomas for his “visionary leadership, dedication and remarkable contribution” to BIG FM’s journey. He said Kumaran’s long-standing association and deep understanding of the brand made him the “ideal choice” to steer its next chapter.

Reacting to his appointment, Kumaran said he was “excited to steer brand BIG into its next chapter — where radio is reimagined and we evolve into a true multimedia force.” He added that in an increasingly digital world, the brand’s strength would lie in “the power of content, the precision of data and the reach of tech-led storytelling.”

With Kumaran at the helm, BIG FM aims to accelerate its evolution into a future-ready, culturally relevant, and impact-driven brand, reinforcing its position as a leader in India’s audio entertainment space.