MUMBAI: The Beeb has a new Indian boss. In an announcement earlier today, BBC Global News stated that former NDTV India professional Rahul Sood will be taking over as its managing director for India and south Asia, come January 2020. Sood will have responsibility for leading the strategic growth of commercial activities across the business which is the International commercial news, sport and features arm of the BBC.

In fact, a new position has been created for the media vet, reflecting India and the wider region’s position as a key market for BBC Global News. India is BBC News’ largest overseas market, with an audience of over 50 million people. Its India bureau is one of BBC’s largest outside the UK, becoming a video, TV and digital content production hub for the whole of South Asia.

Sood will report to global EVP marketing and distribution Chris Davies and SVP commercial development, Asia and ANZ Alistair McEwan. He will assume management of the commercial sales teams across the region with distribution head Sunil Joshi, and advertising sales director Vishal Bhatnagar, reporting directly to him. 

Sood has had experience at NDTV (New Delhi Television Ltd) where, as sales and business development head he successfully launched NDTV channels across linear and digital in over 70 countries. He previously worked for Fox International channels in Singapore, monetising and expanding their south east Asian markets, and started his media career at Turner Broadcasting.

BBC Global News SVP commercial development, Asia & ANZ, Alistair McEwan says: “We are delighted to be welcoming Rahul to the new post of managing director of BBC Global News, India and South Asia. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which is sure to add great value as we continue to realise our significant ambitions in the region, bringing together the expertise of our current teams on the ground.”

Says Sood: “Working for the BBC in the current news environment is a privilege. My goal will be to further develop the BBC’s presence and profit across the region, ensuring audiences across India and South Asia can benefit from the BBC’s impartial, trusted journalism.”