(21 April 2011 6:50 pm)

MUMBAI: Sun TV Network founder Kalanithi Maran has stepped down from the position of managing director of the South India-based media conglomerate with immediate effect.

The company has named K Vijaykumar as the company's new MD. Maran will, however, remain as the executive chairman of the company.

VijayKumar, considered to be close to Maran, was earlier head of operations of Kannada general entertainment channel Udaya TV before being made COO in March 2011 and then quickly elevated to the position of chief executive officer in July. He has been with Sun Network since 1993.

Additionally, Sun TV board has also approved induction of R Ravivenkatesh in the board as a non-executive independent director.

The company has elevated its senior VP C Praveen to the position of chief operating officer with immediate effect.