August 2, 2025 | Mumbai — The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has announced the appointment of Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director & CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), as its new Chairman, effective immediately. The decision was made during the board meeting held on August 1, 2025. Banerjee steps into the role, succeeding Shashi Sinha, Executive Chairman of IPG Mediabrands India, who served as BARC’s Chairman for over three years.
With more than two decades of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Gaurav Banerjee brings deep expertise and strategic vision to the role. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) and is also a board member of MSM-Worldwide Factual Media Pvt. Ltd. and Bangla Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
A Trusted Leadership Transition
On his appointment, Gaurav Banerjee shared,
“BARC India continues to empower stakeholders across the ecosystem with data-driven decision making, and it is a privilege to take on the role of Chairman at the world’s largest television audience measurement company. A big thank you to Shashi Sinha for his exceptional leadership and steady guidance over the last three years. As we navigate a rapidly converging media landscape, I look forward to strengthening BARC’s position as a trusted and credible currency for TV measurement in India.”
Shashi Sinha, the outgoing Chairman, also extended his support, stating,
“Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to partner with BARC and its committees at various levels. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire BARC team for their collaboration and welcome Gaurav Banerjee to this pivotal role. I’m confident his leadership will drive continued innovation to meet the evolving needs of our industry.”
Continued Evolution for BARC India
Nakul Chopra, CEO of BARC India, welcomed Banerjee, noting,
“We are pleased to have Gaurav Banerjee as our new Chairman. His deep industry knowledge will be invaluable as BARC continues to evolve and serve the dynamic needs of the broadcast and advertising ecosystem. We also extend our sincere thanks to Shashi Sinha for his impactful leadership, which enhanced data quality and cemented BARC’s credibility in the media landscape.”
