Pune Times Mirror & Civic Mirror Appoint Nirmal Shah as Chief Revenue Officer

Pune Times Mirror has appointed Nirmal Shah as its Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), reinforcing its leadership team as the publication accelerates its transformation into an integrated, multi-city media platform. In his new role, Shah will spearhead the company’s revenue strategy across Print, Digital, Events, and Branded Content, with a focus on driving advertising revenue growth and expanding national brand partnerships.

The appointment comes at a time when Pune Times Mirror is broadening its footprint and strengthening its integrated media offerings to meet the evolving needs of advertisers.

Bringing Over Two Decades of Media Revenue Expertise

Shah brings more than 22 years of experience in media sales, advertising, and revenue leadership across some of India’s leading digital publishers, OTT platforms, sports businesses, and media organisations.

His expertise spans integrated advertising solutions, sponsorships, branded content, programmatic advertising, digital monetisation, and strategic client partnerships. Throughout his career, he has successfully built scalable revenue businesses while fostering long-term relationships with advertisers and agencies.

Proven Leadership Across India’s Media Industry

Before joining Pune Times Mirror, Shah served as Revenue Head – Digital at Zee Media, where he led monetisation and revenue strategy across the company’s digital portfolio. His responsibilities included display advertising, Connected TV (CTV), programmatic revenue, branded content, and event monetisation.

Prior to Zee Media, he managed sponsorships and advertising sales at FanCode, overseeing commercial partnerships across multiple sporting properties, including international cricket, football, Formula 1, golf, rugby, hockey, basketball, volleyball, and baseball.

Earlier, as National Sales Head at SonyLIV, Shah played a pivotal role in expanding the platform’s advertising business and securing sponsorships for marquee properties such as Kaun Banega Crorepati, Shark Tank India, Indian Idol, FIFA, UEFA Euro, LaLiga, the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, and the Emirates FA Cup.

His professional journey also includes leadership roles at Network18 Media & Investments, Sify Technologies, and Hindustantimes.com, where he contributed to business growth through strategic partnerships, innovative revenue solutions, and high-performing sales teams.

Focused on Integrated Marketing Solutions

Commenting on his appointment, Shah highlighted the growing demand for integrated advertising solutions in today’s evolving media landscape.

He said that brands increasingly seek unified marketing opportunities rather than standalone advertising formats, adding that Pune Times Mirror is uniquely positioned to combine print, digital, events, branded content, performance marketing, and audience engagement under one platform.

Shah expressed his enthusiasm for working with the team to develop measurable, innovative marketing solutions that deliver greater value for advertisers while strengthening the publication’s market presence.

Supporting Pune Times Mirror’s Growth Strategy

Pune Times Mirror noted that Shah’s appointment comes at a pivotal stage in the company’s expansion journey. His extensive experience across print, digital, OTT, sports, and branded content is expected to strengthen the organisation’s commercial capabilities as it continues to evolve into a diversified media business.

Leadership Welcomes Strategic Appointment

Commenting on the appointment, Pankaj Sharma, CMD of The Lexicon Group and Pune Times Mirror, said the publication’s ambition is not to replicate established legacy media organisations but to build Pune Times Mirror into a credible, innovative, and integrated media platform that creates value for readers, advertisers, and the communities it serves.

Referring to the launch of the publication’s Mumbai edition, Sharma said the company remains focused on creating its own identity while delivering integrated marketing solutions that meet the changing needs of brands. He added that Shah’s extensive experience across print, digital, OTT, events, branded content, and sponsorships makes him the ideal leader to help drive the next phase of growth and strengthen Pune Times Mirror’s position as one of India’s most progressive integrated media brands.

The Bottom Line

Nirmal Shah’s appointment as Chief Revenue Officer marks a significant milestone in Pune Times Mirror’s expansion strategy. With deep expertise across media, digital advertising, OTT, sports sponsorships, and integrated marketing, Shah is well-positioned to lead the publication’s revenue transformation and strengthen its partnerships with brands as the company continues to expand its presence across India’s evolving media landscape.