Network18 Media & Investments Limited has initiated a postal ballot process to seek shareholder approval for the appointment of Raj Kumar Jain as an Independent Director on the company’s board for a five-year term.

According to regulatory filings, Jain was first inducted as an Additional Director on March 25, 2026, and the company is now proposing to formally appoint him as an Independent Director until March 24, 2031. The appointment is being placed before shareholders through a special resolution via electronic voting, which will remain open until June 10, 2026.

The move comes as Network18 looks to strengthen its board with experienced leadership from across media, retail and consumer businesses. Jain brings decades of experience across multiple sectors including media, FMCG, retail, global operations and corporate strategy.

Jain previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd., also known as The Times of India Group, where he oversaw operations spanning print, television and digital media platforms.

Before his stint in media, Jain played a key role in the retail sector by leading Walmart’s India entry through its joint venture with the Bharti Group. He also spent nearly 16 years at Hindustan Unilever in various leadership positions.

His international experience includes serving as Asia-Pacific Head for Marketing and Supply Chain at Whirlpool Corporation based in Shanghai. He later led Whirlpool India as Managing Director and CEO for around a decade.

In 2020, Jain launched consulting firm Bounce Inc., focused on digital transformation and market entry strategies.

Network18 said Jain’s expertise in marketing, sales, governance and business transformation is expected to add strategic value to the company’s board. Apart from this, he currently serves on the boards of listed companies including SRF Limited and Relaxo Footwears.

The company has appointed KFin Technologies Limited to manage the e-voting process for shareholders. The results of the postal ballot are expected to be declared on or after June 11, 2026, following the close of the voting window.