MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu-based New Generation Media has elevated its director operations RBU Shyam Kumar to the post of Group CEO. Kumar assumed charge last week.

The main focus of Kumar?s responsibilities as CEO will be to expand the reach of the group?s flagship news channel Puthiya Thalamurai over the state. He will report to group president RP Sathyanarayanan.

Kumar will also be responsible for the launch of the group?s new channels - a Tamil GEC and an English news channel in 2013.

Talking to indiantelevision.com, Kumar said, "Our Tamil news channel Puthiya Thalamurai which launched in August last year is doing very well in the state. The goal will be to make sure that the channel increases its reach in the regions of Chennai where it is lagging a tad."

Kumar started his career is 1995 with Times of India where he worked for 14 years. He held the post of city sales head at the publication when he quit. He joined New Generation Media in 2009 as director - operations.