Hersh Bhandari Returns to NDTV as Brand Advisor and Head of CoLab

NDTV has appointed media industry veteran Hersh Bhandari as Brand Advisor & Head, NDTV CoLab, a strategic initiative focused on integrating brand partnerships, branded content, original IPs and cross-platform experiences.

Bhandari Brings Nearly Three Decades of Media Experience

Bhandari brings nearly three decades of experience across media, business strategy, marketing, branded content, revenue growth and new-business development. Over the course of his career, he has held senior leadership positions at Republic World, India Today Television, Times Television Network, Adhikari Brothers and NDTV.

At Republic World, where he most recently served as Chief Executive Officer, Bhandari led business operations, overseeing strategic growth, commercial expansion and the development of new business verticals. During his tenure, he was involved in launching and scaling channels, strengthening advertiser relationships and developing new growth opportunities.

Earlier, at Times Television Network and India Today Television, Bhandari worked on advertiser partnerships, branded content initiatives and integrated marketing solutions for leading brands. At Adhikari Brothers, he contributed to channel launches and helped build the sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure required to scale the businesses.

Bhandari to Lead NDTV CoLab

NDTV CoLab will bring together the network’s news brands with content-led partnerships, original intellectual properties and cross-platform experiences aimed at creating deeper engagement between brands and audiences.

Rahul Kanwal, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, NDTV, said the initiative will combine the credibility of NDTV’s flagship news brands with innovative content-led partnerships. He added that Bhandari’s commercial expertise and ability to build businesses and create value for brands will help drive the next phase of growth for NDTV CoLab.

Rahul Shaw, Chief Business Officer, NDTV, said Bhandari brings deep industry relationships, strategic thinking and an entrepreneurial approach to the role.

Returning to NDTV

Bhandari’s association with NDTV dates back to 2003. Between 2003 and 2009, he held leadership positions across NDTV India, network sales and new-business initiatives.

As Vice President and National Head, NDTV India & New Business Initiatives, he played a role in business start-ups, channel launches and the development of new growth opportunities for the network.

Purva Misra, Chief People Officer, NDTV, welcomed Bhandari back to the organisation, highlighting the experience, energy and entrepreneurial spirit he brings to NDTV CoLab.

Focus on Co-Created Brand Experiences

Commenting on his appointment, Hersh Bhandari said the strongest brand ideas today are co-created through a shared understanding of brands and audiences.

He added that NDTV CoLab provides an opportunity to bring together storytelling, creators, platforms and partners to develop distinctive properties, experiences and conversations designed to create lasting value.