Republic Media Network CEO Vikas Khanchandani, who has put in his papers, is likely to use some of the free time to re-evaluate options, given the fast changing technology and the media landscape.

In the meanwhile, the Arnab Goswami-founded news network announced some leadership changes on Wednesday as news about  Khanchandani’s soon-to-happen departure swept through the media industry.

Though the man of the moment was himself unavailable for comments, sources close to him indicated that in the short term Khanchandani would like to “chill out”, spending more time with his family.

The sources also said that he’d use that chill-time to re-evaluate his options for future assignments.

Khanchandani has over two decades of experience in the Indian media industry having been associated with companies like Reliance Broadcast Network, Aidem Ventures (an outfit where former Colors COO Raj Nayak too did a stint), NDTV Media and Star India.

Republic Announces Senior Appointments: As Khanchandani news trickled in, Republic also announced the appointments of Darius Maneckji as business head and senior EVP of Republic TV. Hersh Bhandari, having charge of Hindi news channel Republic Bharat as its COO, was named group COO of the broadcasting business.

According to media reports, Maneckji arrives in Republic from TV Today Network where he was a vice president. Bhandari will be responsible for the entire national operations of all the existing broadcast channels in the network, while Maneckji will be responsible for the national operations of Republic TV.

“The induction of business talent is part of the expansion of the network and creates an organisational base to take plans forward. I am excited about the new roles for both Hersh and Darius. The broadcasting division under Hersh will see rapid growth, like never before.

“Our digital business, (which) is being expanded by 100 per cent and together with our Strategic Business partnerships, will be hived off into separate business divisions, each with its own leadership and goals. At a consolidated level, this should place us in a fantastic position to be the number one TV+Digital News company across the board in two years,” Goswami said.