Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has elevated Rupen Thakkar to the position of Vice President and Head Counsel – Networks (Television and Sony Sports Network), StudioNext and Corporate.

Thakkar announced his promotion through a LinkedIn post, expressing enthusiasm about taking on the expanded leadership role. He said he was excited to begin the next chapter of his professional journey, drive new initiatives, and continue working alongside the company’s team.

The elevation comes after more than three years at SPNI, where Thakkar has held several key legal leadership positions across the broadcaster’s network channels, production business, StudioNext division, sports television operations, and corporate legal functions. Most recently, he served as Senior Lead Counsel – Sports Television and Corporate, overseeing legal matters related to the company’s sports broadcasting and corporate operations.

Over the course of his career, Thakkar has built extensive experience across the media, entertainment, digital, and education sectors. Before joining SPNI, he worked as Assistant Vice President – Legal at Unacademy.

Earlier, he served as AVP Legal – Television and Zee5 at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, where he handled legal affairs related to the broadcaster’s television and digital businesses. His professional journey also includes leadership roles at IndiaCast Media Distribution Pvt. Ltd., Sahara India Pariwar, Nimbus Communications Limited, and Overseas Infrastructure Alliance (India) Pvt. Ltd..

With his promotion, Thakkar is expected to continue playing a significant role in strengthening SPNI’s legal and compliance framework across its television networks, sports broadcasting business, StudioNext operations, and corporate functions.