MUMBAI: A+E Networks | TV18 has promoted Arun Thapar as President - Content & Communication. In his new role, Thapar will additionally manage Brand Marketing, Digital, and Branded Content of A+E Networks | TV18 along with his current portfolio of Content Strategy Management, Creative and Production for the network.

Commenting on the development, Avinash Kaul, Managing Director A+ E Networks | TV18 and CEO-Broadcast for Network18, said, “Arun has consistently played the role of a key growth driver for the business. His strong understanding of the genre has ensured that A+E Networks | TV18 got the required traction and also contributes positively towards the growth of factual entertainment and lifestyle genres. His expertise is central to further strengthening and expanding the A+E Networks | TV18 portfolio.”

Under his stewardship the network has produced best-in-class originals, and broken new ground in factual entertainment, with HISTORY TV18 clocking tens of millions of views online. In the last year, FYI TV18, the network's lifestyle arm, has reigned supreme as No. 1 for over 48 consecutive weeks. Over the years, A+E Networks | TV18 originals have earned more nominations and awards than any other network in the genre.

Prior to joining A+E Networks | TV18, Thapar was Vice President Programming at Discovery Networks Asia Pacific (South Asia), where he was responsible for overall content and creative, including originals, for the eleven-channel portfolio comprising Discovery, Animal Planet, and TLC, among others.

His 23 years of experience and expertise covers the entire spectrum of content functions, from commissioning and creation to management, acquisition, localization and on-air delivery, across a range of genres - factual, natural history, lifestyle, animation, kids, and family entertainment as well comedy, satire, live broadcast, and current affairs.

He is passionate about great storytelling and delivering best-in-class immersive viewing experiences. As an award-winning content leader, his body of work also includes a long list of producer, creator, and executive producer credits for many award-winning originals, made in India.

In his new role, he will continue to report to Avinash Kaul.