MUMBAI: In a major development, Multi Screen Media India (Sony Entertainment Television) has promoted its COO N P Singh as CEO effective 3 January 2014. In his new role, NP will report to Sony Pictures Television President Worldwide Networks Andy Kaplan. Singh confirmed the development to indiantelevision.com, adding that he was looking forward to taking the company into its next growth phase.

He replaces Man Jit Singh who has been designated as non-executive chairman. Singh will reportedly be spending more time in Los Angeles (LA). 

While much work has been done there is clearly a long road to go before we can fully achieve our vision, says NP Singh

“NP and I have worked closely together as equal partners these last five years and the success of the company is largely due to his efforts. The time has come for him to lead the company to the next level and I fully expect the innovations he brings as CEO will ensure we have years of success ahead. As the Non-executive Chairman of MSM, I look forward to supporting NP and will continue to remain involved with the Indian television industry," said Man Jit Singh.

Kaplan also expressed strong support for the move. "We have full confidence in NP being able to lead MSM and continue the success of the last five years. NP has been involved in all the decisions that lead to the success of our business and this is a well-deserved recognition of his untiring efforts and of the faith we have in his decision making. I wish him all success in his new role as CEO of MSM. I would also like to thank Man Jit for the huge contribution he has made in growing our business in India and setting it on the path of sustainable future growth."

“I am delighted by the confidence Man Jit, Andy and the board have expressed in my abilities to lead MSM. It's been a wonderful experience and a pleasure working with Man Jit last five years. While much work has been done there is clearly a long road to go before we can fully achieve our vision. I am certain that with our top quality management team and our dedicated employees we will achieve new heights of success in near future. I am excited in taking up the new role and look forward to making MSM the most profitable network in the business," commented NP on his appointment.

In the new role, I look forward to supporting NP and will continue to remain involved with the Indian television industry, says Man Jit Singh

NP, a Delhi University alumnus, has been associated with MSM since the past 15 years, that is since 1999. Prior to that, he was the Chief Financial Officer at Spice Telecom. He has also worked as Chief Financial Officer - Telecom and other positions at Modicorp, Controller Business Operations and others for Modi Xerox, and as Senior Accounts Officer and others at Hindustan Copper Limited. His aptitude in business comes from the education he has got. After completing his B.Com (Hons) from DU, NP studied at Delhi School of Economics and further on completed his Management Accounting from Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India.

Man Jit on the other hand, prior to joining the MSM group, was with Diogenes Capital, a private equity fund in Los Angeles, California, where he was a principal. He had also served as chairman and CEO of Compete, Inc, in Boston, Massachusetts, a predictive analytics service. He has also been the CEO of several companies specialising in management recruitment and temporary staffing, including Futurestep Inc, Korn/Ferry International’s online subsidiary and Talent Tree Staffing Services, a subsidiary of the service conglomerate BET Plc. He also held senior positions at various management consulting firms including Sibson & Co, LLP in Los Angeles, The Cast Group AG in Zurich, Switzerland and Los Angeles, and Cresap in Los Angeles. He began his career at Nestle India. Man Jit is a graduate of the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA, the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and St. Stephen's College in Delhi, India.