It has been in the air from the time Rahul Kanwal’s departure from the India Today Group was made public in April, but the news was formally cemented yesterday by New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV) when it said that Kanwal has formally taken charge as its new Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief.

In this dual role, he will manage the entire business and editorial operations of NDTV, a leading news network that is now controlled by the Adani Group.

A veteran journalist with over 25 years of experience, Kanwal has built a formidable reputation as a prime-time anchor, election analyst and investigative reporter. He has previously held leadership roles, including News Director at India Today and Aaj Tak, and Executive Director at Business Today. His past stints also include senior editorial roles at Headlines Today and Zee News, a NDTV statement stated.

An alumnus of the General Management Program (GMP) at Harvard Business School (HBS) and a Chevening Scholar, Kanwal studied journalism at Delhi University and completed a programme in International Broadcast Journalism at Cardiff University. He is also a recipient of the Rory Peck Trust Grant for Hostile Environment Journalism and has received numerous awards for journalistic excellence.

Welcoming the appointment, Sanjay Pugalia, CEO of AMG Media Networks, the media entity of the Adani group, said: “NDTV is a news super-brand that has stood for credibility and trust for nearly four decades through path-breaking journalism across television and digital platforms.

“With five new product launches over the past two years, NDTV continues to expand its footprint while remaining steadfast in its founding ethos. Rahul brings deep editorial insight, a passion for journalism, and proven leadership — qualities that will be instrumental as we scale our presence across products and platforms.”

Kanwal in a statement said: “Like many in my generation, I grew up watching NDTV. I am supercharged about the prospect of infusing new life and energy into this marquee news brand. For years, NDTV has been the go-to brand for election coverage and big breaking news. I consider it a great honour to lead this storied media brand, and I am confident that NDTV will continue to rise to great heights of journalistic and business excellence.”

According to the statement, the NDTV Board commended Pugalia for his exemplary leadership during a pivotal period of transformation and growth and said it would look forward to his continued guidance and support as a valued member.

NDTV is a subsidiary of AMG Media Networks Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited. Founded in 1988 by Prannoy Roy and associates, NDTV has been a pioneer in Indian television and digital journalism. It is among India’s most trusted and influential news networks, reaching audiences across 65 countries through six television channels and seven digital platforms in three languages.