Speakers

Abraham Thomas started his career in the print media with The Indian Express where he worked his way up to the position of All India Head of Ad Sales. Television soon called and he joined Sony Entertainment Network as a ‘Director – Sales’ for SET, MAX and AXN. From a premium mass entertainment channel he then moved to a premium youth entertainment channel, MTV Networks, where he headed the revenue function for MTV, Nickelodeon and VH1.

Abe joined RED FM as COO in March '05. He believes that his strong background in revenue generation and his experience working with client brands helps him to drive their programming and marketing towards increased listener pleasure, while co-creating win-win marketing solutions for his clients. His vision has enabled Red FM to move 'beyond radio' and on to REDActiv (activation), REDMobile (content on multi-digital platforms) and REDCreativ (Creative Solutions for Clients). In a short span of time, Red FM has made a mark for itself in the industry, having attained the numero uno position in Mumbai, from being a challenger brand.

Alexi Paspalas has worked in web development for eight years and currently leads product development at BBC World Service Future Media. He is responsible for the technical strategy of the department and leads the development of multi-lingual content management systems and products to deliver sites incorporating news, features, radio and TV output. Alexi has previously worked in film and radio in the UK, Greece and Australia.

Amritendu Roy is the Head of Radio Business of Friends 91.9 FM, Kolkata's fastest growing FM Radio Channel. He was instrumental in setting up this channel from scratch, which has now completed one year of broadcasting in Kolkata.

Amritendu starting his career in advertising with Mudra Communication in 1990 and went on to become the Group Business Director at the time he left in 2004. In the 14 years with Mudra he worked in various cities like Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. He handled various clients with Mudra, the prominent ones being McDonalds, Indian Oil, Orient Fans, National Insurance, Reliance Telecom and Kitply. Amritendu moved to FM Radio Industry in 2004 when to took over as Vice President and Station Head of Radio City in Delhi.

Before returning to India as the COO of Radio Today Broadcasting Ltd Anil Srivatsa incubated a new media company funded by NeuLion Inc. that will deliver niche television channels to TV sets using IPTV technology. Prior to NeuLion, Srivatsa was Executive VP at ImaginAsian TV, overseeing distribution for their basic cable foray.

Srivatsa also hosts the largest syndicated South Asian radio show in USA, “Anil Ki Awaaz.” Before his stint at ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc., he was Director of Worldwide Marketing and Public Relations for RTV UK. Earlier, as Director of Cricket and South Asian Programming at Kelly Broadcasting Systems, he oversaw the creation of the Cricket Channel. Previously, Srivatsa created “Medical Detectives” on the Learning Channel (now Forensic Files on Court TV). His broadcasting career began at Holt Radio Corporation as Board Operator, Technical Producer and then Producer for nationally syndicated Radio Talk shows.

Srivatsa is the Founding trustee of the Guild of Women Achievers, an NGO that works to empower women in India. Srivatsa earned a Master’s degree in Telecommunications (Kutztown University) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Public Administration, and Journalism (Mysore University). Srivatsa was the only Indian on the Nielsen Advisory council for Asian and Pacific Americans. He currently serves on the Advisory board of 212 Media Inc. and The Horror Channel in New York.

Apurva Purohit is a pioneer in the field of media and currently the only woman professional CEO in advertising and media across the country. An alumnus of IIM Bangalore, she has spent over 17 years in advertising and media and is credited with bringing into the country, the concept of Media Buying as a separate business and started the first media buying house in the country in 1996, Lodestar. Apurva started Lodestar as a media house in 1995 at the age of 29 and helped it grow from strength to strength .Today Lodestar is counted as one of the top 5 media houses in the country.

Apurva has, for the past 5 years been an integral part of the TV media business – first as President of Zee TV, flagship channel of Zee network and then the COO of the Times Television network.

Today Apurva is leading Radio City’s foray in the new opportunities and markets opened out by the Phase 2 policy of the government in the private FM sector. Having won 16 licenses in key metros and mini metros, Apurva is at the forefront of the extended play the business is making into the radio arena. Radio City today successfully operates in 7 key metros in the country and is a leader in the FM business having garnered a leadership position in the key cities of Bangalore , Mumbai , Hyderabad, Lucknow and a strong No 2 slot in cities like Delhi.

Ashit Kukian is the Executive Vice President and National Head – Sales, Radio City 91.1FM. With over 20 years of sales expertise, of which 15 years have been in Media Business Management, Ashit has an in-depth exposure in marketing for print and television media and his experience includes working with The Times of India Group, Zoom Television, Laboratories Garnier Paris, Berger Paints and Johnson & Johnson. Responsible for the national sales function at Radio City, Ashit spearheads all activation led properties for additional revenue generation.

Atul Phadnis is CEO and Chief Evangelist, MediaE2E, a company that he founded in 2005 at the inflection of the largely Analog Television industry going Digital. Today MediaE2E is an established player in providing specialist solutions within the TV industry. Among those - MediaE2E runs India’s largest multi-platform, multi-device EPG (Electronic Program Guide) aggregation across DTH, IPTV, Online, Mobile and Cable. Besides being the standard for India focused EPGs, the company has also developed “Biz-MAPS” – an Ad Pricing and Business Intelligence solution for TV Networks. Atul hails from a strategic planning discipline in previous stints with companies such as TAM India, Mindshare, Starcom Worldwide and Rediffusion-DY&R.

Björn Mohr is co-founder of Radio Intelligence, a strategic consultancy specializing in growing radio audiences. He has 30 years of radio experience as a presenter, program director of various formats, and as a general manager. Before founding Radio Intelligence, Björn was program director with Europe’s biggest broadcaster RTL Group, among other things launching 104.7 RTL that became #1 under his leadership.

As a senior consultant Björn is helping radio stations to grow in 18 countries, including some of the worlds leading broadcast groups as MTV, NRJ, RTL Group and Clear Channel.

Christoph Pöschl is the founder of the media research and consulting company Brand Support. He started his career as a research manager and music consultant for European radio networks and music TV brands at a German research company. Since 1996, Christoph Pöschl has been developing music and brand strategies for media companies such as the RTL Group (Europe), MTV Europe, Emmis Communications (USA), Astral Media (Canada), BBC Radio (UK), ORF (Austria) as well as telecommunication companies such as T-Mobile (Europe).

In 2002 Christoph Pöschl founded his own media research and consulting agency Brand Support. He has developed and established a new sophisticated and revolutionary technology (Mapping). This method enables media executives to build programming concepts for a more and more ‘hybrid’ audience in markets with increasing segmentation.

Dnyanada is the Head of Media Services in HUL. She has over 12 years of expertise across media planning, buying, innovation, research and media management. She started her career at Lodestar, where she has led cutting edge projects looking beyond traditional methods of measuring media deliverables. Has developed a first of its kind programme loyalty model on television, led India¹s first noticeability study on print. She joined ICICI Prudential in 2004, the first media manager in the finance industry in India. She was responsible for driving effectiveness on media and devised a unique lead generating model using mass media. In 2005, she joined Marico Ltd. Has driven many innovations on radio including the 1st radio reality show in India.

Ina Tenz is program director of radio ffn, one of Germanys three largest private radio stations. In her years as program director she has continuously increased market share of radio ffn with currently 1.8 million listeners per day. She started her career in public radio in the early 90s, quickly changing to "Energy 103,4 Berlin", a private radio station in the German capitol where she worked as morning show DJ for 3 years.

In 1995 Ina Tenz became Head of On Air Promotion at RTL Radio Luxemburg. Two years later she built up the On Air Promotion for radio ffn in Niedersachsen/North Germany and doubled listenership with her team in between 3 years. From 1999 - 2001 Ina Tenz was program director for the private radio station Energy Munich before returning to radio ffn where she became programme director, a position she has held successfully since.

Specialized in strategic programming in tough markets with focus on tactical contests and intriguing content, Ina Tenz helped ffn to continuously gain ground in a highly competitive market.

Ken Benson spearheads Pinnacle Media Worldwide's international division providing strategies and research for media and radio companies on the four continents. Simultaneously Ken is developing international market's SparkNets’s JACK-FM brand, the hottest new radio format of the Millenium. Ken's knowledge and expertise spans 27 successful years a presenter, programmer and researcher. As a program director, Ken led KKRZ Z100 in Portland, Oregon to multiple ratings and revenue records, which included nine consecutive quarters as the number one station in the market. His work did not go unnoticed amongst the radio community, as he was a six-time Billboard nominee for Program Director of the Year while the station enjoyed six Station of the Year nominations. Ken also had an influential run as VP of Music Programming at MTV in New York, where he was a key contributor to the creation and success of the hit video show, Total Request Live. Ken also served in Executive Programming positions for Citadel and Chancellor/AMFM overseeing hundreds of stations throughout America.

V, joined TAM in October 2000 and his team’s focus has been on developing TAM as a key brand within the Indian Media industry. LV’s background stretches to almost 15 years post joining the stream of Indian Media planning community. His experience has stretched across Mediacom (Grey India), JWT & Starcom, working for clients like P&G, Unilever personal products, Bayer, Bajaj, Godrej etc. In his stint in Starcom, his work on Coke went on to win the Starcom’s most prestigious global media award, “North Star”. He owes all his experience & learning to his team mates in TAM and his other erstwhile organizations. While he continues to stretch his interest from Reading & Writing to teaching Media in various institutes, his passion for Astrophysics (the area he focused during his studies) still rules very high. Lately, he and his team went to Tokyo to present their selected paper on “Breaking Program Loyalty” in ESOMAR conference as well as to Montreal, Canada to present their paper on “Reincarnating TAM Panelists”. Today, looking back at the last decade, including the Seven years in TAM, it has certainly been an experience full of fun, challenges, innovations and a lot of dare devil acts.

Mallikarjun Das currently heads the Madison Media Research Centre (MMRC) at Madison Media. During his career in the media industry, Malli has been involved in different functions spanning from media planning, media buying and mathematical modeling. Prior to joining Madison Media, his previous assignments include Manager- Media and Research at Asian Paints, Deputy Practice Head – Simulations at Tata Interactive Systems and Business Director at Advanced Techniques Group (ATG). Malli holds a post-graduate degree in management from Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

Mark founded some of the UK's second generation FM commercial radio stations in the early nineties, gaining cutting-edge experience of launches and brand initiatives. He joined Capital Radio in London where he built the group's own business development unit. His projects included award-winning British Airways in-flight radio, launching Eurotunnel's Anglo-French radio station and sydicating programmes across the globe. In 2000, Mark became a freelance radio consultant in the United Kingdom, but he soon looked to the explosion of radio in exciting new world markets. In 2004, he founded United Radio with fellow consultant Paul Chantler. United Radio has become one of the fastest growing international consultancy and training resources. It uniquely brings together leading radio specialists from all the key disciplines. Mark oversees numerous projects with clients across the UK, Europe, The Middle East and Asia. United Radio has worked extensively in India.

Mike Powell was Managing Director of County Sound PLC from 1986-1991. County Sound was a founder shareholder of FOX FM and Mike designed its programming. He left County Sound to form radio investment, research and management company, Infinity Radio Ltd. Infinity set up Pirate FM in Cornwall where Mike was launch Chief Executive. Shortly afterwards, Infinity merged with UK Radio Developments is known as UKRD Group Ltd.

Mike played a key consultancy role in helping to set up Manchester's Kiss 102 and served a two year term as launch Chief Executive of Tristar Broadcasting (Star FM), which helped pioneer the use of new digital studio systems in the UK (RCS Master Control). In 1995, as Chief Executive, he relaunched the new County Sound Radio Network consisting of County Sound Radio 1476AM, 96.4 The Eagle and Delta Radio. On November 1st, 2001, Mike and his colleague, David Bruce, set up a successor to the original Infinity Radio, to be known as Infinity Media Ltd. Infinity has de-merged from its former parent, UKRD Group Ltd.

Infinity Media concentrates on DAB, Internet and new computer technologies, plus developing new analogue and cross-platform formats such as Déjà Vu. On October 1st 2002 Mike stepped down from his Infinity role to take the position as VP/International for RCS Inc, New York, the world’s leading supplier of broadcast software.

Pallavi Burman, National Sales Head, has been with Fever 104 FM ever since its first launch in Delhi, in Oct 06’. Prior to her being a part of the radio industry, Pallavi has had a wide range of experience across varied fields such as telecom, FMCG and beverages. Her decade long marketing and revenue management experience cuts across local and global enterprises.

In her current profile, Pallavi is responsible for developing the sales strategy and revenue generation for Fever 104. She is also instrumental in building business relationships with key corporate houses and creating a strong equity for Fever 104 in the market. Pallavi holds a Post Graduate degree from Indian Institute of Calcutta (IIMC) and loves reading and listening to music and is an accomplished singer herself.

Palle Bo is the founder and owner of RADIOGURU, a consulting company for radio stations wanting to improve their commercials, imaging and programming. He also does radio commercial production and a weekly radio program.

He is one of the more experienced radio professionals in Denmark, having worked 23 years in the industry. With a background in marketing, he started out as morning host and went on to work as sales manager, copywriter, producer, director, and finally group PD and managing director, before founding RADIOGURU. For years he also did a daily national syndicated comedy bit, and he’s a co-owner of six local radio stations and a weekly newspaper.

Paul Weyland is an international speaker, branding, marketing and sales strategist, consultant, trainer, author and university lecturer. He speaks to corporate leaders, associations of independent business owners, organizations, managers and front-line sales and customer service people who want a break-through in visibility and customer loyalty in an information-cluttered, over-scheduled and constantly changing world. Weyland has made a name for himself speaking to and working in executive level positions in the television and radio business. Paul has shown hundreds of organizations how to cut through the confusion of marketing, reach into the hearts and minds of their customers, close more sales, increase their bottom lines and keep customers for life. Paul keeps his audience on the edge of their seats, laughing in self-recognition, hungry for more and eager to get out there and do it differently... and better.

Prashant Panday is the CEO of ENIL. He joined Radio Mirchi Company in August 2000. Prashant holds a Bachelors Degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Gujarat University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. Prior to joining Radio Mirchi Company, he was Director (Marketing) for Modi Revlon Limited India operations. He has 17 years of experience in sales, marketing and advertising industries and has held various other senior positions. Previously, he worked with Hindustan Lever Limited, Frito Lay India, Mudra Communications and Citibank N.A.

Praveen Malhotra is spearheading operations for the entire Northern region, as well as handling the responsibility of being the National Sales Head, given her forte in the same. A veteran in the entertainment space, Praveen has rich experience in the Media and Entertainment industry, spanning a staggering 14 years. She started her career in 1992 with Times of India in the space selling division and post a successful stint of three years, moved on to STAR India Pvt Ltd. in 1995. At Star India, Praveen was handling the complete portfolio of Star Channels and was key to driving the Star Plus channel to number one slot and successfully completed her six year stint with the Channel.

In 2001 she joined Radio City 91 FM in the capacity of Sr. Vice President and Station Head. At Radio City, she was instrumental in the entire set-up and management of the Delhi radio station. After achieving stupendous success in Delhi, Praveen further went on to set-up and launch Radio City in Lucknow.

A B.Tech. from IIT Kanpur and PGDM from IIM Ahmedabad, Praveen has worked in market research, advertising and media planning. His longest stint was at MARG where he was involved with media research, consumer research and market modeling.

Praveen chaired the Technical Committee for the first Radio Audience Measurement by A C Nielsen way back in 2002. A Past President of Market Research Society of India (MRSI), Praveen has contributed 12 papers at ESOMAR, Worldwide Readership Research Symposia and MRSI Seminars. He spent a year at Starcom North Asia as Strategic Planning Director, P&G, Greater China.

At Lintas, Praveen created India’s first computerized media package (LIN-COMPACK) in 1981. At MARG, he led the launch of India’s first Peoplemeter based TV Audience Measurement System INTAM in 1995. Praveen is a visiting faculty at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. As Chief Executive of Hansa Consulting, Praveen brings his diversely rich experience across mainline advertising , media planning and market research to a broader canvas of Brand Consultancy.

Punitha heads Madison Media, one of the largest media planning and buying agencies as the Group CEO. She started her career as a media executive with O&M, in the hope that this media posting would give her a back-door-entry into her dream career in “account planning and client servicing”. It has now been more than a decade since then, and she still continues to be in media as she finds the challenge on the job “never-ending”. She is a management student from Chennai and has worked with O&M, Intiative Media (Lintas) and is currently with Madison Media for the last 8 years. During her tenure, Madison Media has emerged as the most admired media agency in India and has grown to become an Rs 1800 crores media agency. She is actively involved in all the industry bodies that define the scope and shape of the media industry in India.

Punitha has been ranked amongst the top ten most influential media agency persons in India by the Economic Times Brand Equity survey for the last two years. Financial Express rated her amongst the top 50 women in business in 2007. She has also won the GR8 Women achievers award in 2005 for her contribution to advertising.

Sanjay is currently heading brand and marketing at Reliance Communications and is a key marketing resource for the Reliance ADAG group. He oversees all the brand/ marketing activities for mobility, enterprise, home and global businesses of RCOM.

Sanjay started his career with Hindustan Lever Limited where he spent 10 years between sales and marketing assignments and was conferred with the Unilever Global Chairman award for his work on dishwash business in India. In early 2004, Sanjay joined Nokia India to head its brand & marketing operations where-in his responsibilities included managing brand, product, retail, media, technology etc.. Under his stewardship, Nokia was nominated as the CII brand of the year in Yr.2004, apart from numerous other accolades including “Best brand charter globally” for his work on Nokia India blueprint.

Sanjay has earlier chaired and spoken at various local and global forums and is currently the officiating chairman of Asia Brand council.

N. P. Sathyamurthy is currently the Joint President of Lintas Media Group and has an impressive professional record of 13 years of Media Management with advertising, media and independent agency experience.

Prior to that, he has also worked in Mudra Communications, Ogilvy and Mather as Managing Consultant, head of media planning and also at Euro RSCG.

Sathya is a Post graduate in Science and was also Head of Media Research Users Council (MRUC), a neutral Media Research regulatory body in India for 2 years. Starting his career with Glaxo Family Products Division, Mumbai and an impressive 5 years experience in Brand Management has successfully championed new business pitches and always believes in media innovations.

Vineet Singh Hukmani is the Chief Executive Officer of Radio One since September, 2007. Vineet serves as Chief Operating Officer for India and South West Asia of Cheil Communications. Prior to that, he has also worked in Saatchi & Saatchi and Mudra Communications in Business Head positions. Vineet is an engineer and MBA (with a silver medal from the Times School of Marketing).

Vineet started as an RJ at a Kuwait radio station at the age of 14 and was among the team that set up Worldspace and launched Indigo Radio for BPL Innovision. His extracurricular passion also makes him a perfect fit for radio – Vineet is the lead singer of the ‘Balle Balle Boyz' who have released three albums with sales over a million copies.

Warren Kurtzman joined Coleman Insights as a Vice President in May of 1995 and currently works with dozens of radio stations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. His noteworthy radio station clients in North America include MOViN 92.5/Seattle, WPGC/Washington, WDVD/Detroit, B96/Minneapolis, The Zone/Sacramento, Bob FM/Austin, Foxy 107/Raleigh, KWJZ/Seattle, KLBJ/Austin, WLOQ/Orlando, The Point/Norfolk, Fly 92/Albany and WJJO/Madison.

Warren’s pre-Coleman Insights background includes two years with Strategic Radio Research and six years with Arbitron, Inc. Prior to that, Warren held management, on-air and sales positions with WUUU/Utica, New York and WVBR/Ithaca, New York. Warren also serves on the board of directors of Cornell Radio Guild, Inc., the non-profit corporation that owns WVBR/Ithaca, New York.