Sony Pictures Networks India MD & CEO NP Singh resigns after 25-year stint

NP Singh, who has been leading Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) – the local arm of the global media conglomerate – has stepped down from his post following a 25-year stint with the company. The resignation was confirmed by him in an email sent to the employees, reports said.

In the email, Singh reportedly said that he now wants to switch to an advisory role, instead of leading an operational charge.

"I have a significant update to share. After nearly 44 years in my career, including a rewarding 25-year tenure at SPNI, I have decided to move on from my role as MD and CEO," he was reported as saying in the email sent to SPNI staff.

While Singh has resigned from his role, he would continue to remain at the helm till his successor is finalised. “We have begun a structured succession planning process for my successor and hope to have exciting news to share in the near future,” he stated.

Singh’s departure comes months after SPNI pulled the plug on the planned merger with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) to create a $10 billion merged entity. The amalgamation deal was terminated by Sony in January, after two years of deliberations.

25-year career at SPNI

Singh had joined the company in 1999 as its chief financial officer. Over the years, he rose to the rank of chief operating officer, and was finally elevated as the chief executive officer and managing director in 2014. Over the last 10 years, he has led SPNI as its CEO and MD.

Singh’s leadership has allowed SPNI to “successfully tap into the broad spectrum of audience preferences, in rural and urban areas, alike”, SPNI said in a statement.

Prior to joining Sony, Singh had an experience stretching over two decades, holding leadership positions in finance and operations across companies such as Modi Xerox, Spice Telecom, ModiCorp, and Hindustan Copper Limited.

In terms of education, Singh is an alumnus of the Delhi School of Economics, where he completed his Master's Program. He also holds a Bachelor Degree in Commerce from the University of Delhi.