A media veteran of over two decades, Tarun Katial is the CEO of ZEE5 India. In his current role, Tarun is responsible for steering ZEE5, India’s largest and most comprehensive digital entertainment platform for language content, towards gaining industry leadership position.
Considered one of the most successful executives in the Indian media industry, Tarun has a robust body of experience across media platforms, including television, radio and now the newest kid on the block – OTT. Prior to joining ZEE5, Tarun’s last assignment was with Big FM, where he was the Founder COO-CEO, and during this duration, he also set up Thwink BIG – the content incubator and the BIG TV channels – Magic and Ganga.
An MBA graduate, Tarun began his career with advertising agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi, Enterprise Nexus Lowe and Ogilvy & Mather. Pursuant to this, he moved to Star Network and rose to become the Head of Content and Communications across the network in India, before moving to Sony Entertainment Television as Business Head.
Tarun has an established record of accomplishments through successful shows – KBC – Who wants to be a Millionaire, Let’s make a deal India, a slew of daily fiction content at STAR, and Indian Idol, Fear Factor, Fame Academy and Ugly Betty at SET. These have been in perfect tune with what captivates the Indian consumer.
Tarun’s acumen has been recognized at multiple Indian and international platforms. He has been voted as NewsCorp Achiever for Asia and included among the best in the ‘India Today 30 on 30’ list. He was also part of the team that won the first Media Gold at Cannes. Instrumental in revolutionizing the media and entertainment landscape in India, Tarun is now a Tedx speaker, and part of industry forums, including Jury chair for the Ad club Abby and DMAI, committee member with FICCI and CII, Ex-Com at IAAA and Vice President at Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI).