Sugandha Kharoo
Noida
Summary
From live television to live experiences, I’ve spent 17 years making sure complex events run seamlessly — whether it’s launching new broadcast channels, managing high-stakes programming, or coordinating teams and partners under pressure. My career has given me a solid foundation in project management, vendor negotiations, stakeholder alignment, and crisis handling, all while keeping an eye on budgets and efficiency. What excites me now is the opportunity to take this expertise beyond the screen and into the stadium — applying my skills in readiness, fan engagement, sponsorship delivery, and live event execution to create unforgettable match-day experiences.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager – Programming
HistoryTV18 (Network18)
10.2015 - Current
- Led multiple high-profile channel launches and rebrands, overseeing all aspects of operations, readiness, and stakeholder coordination, comparable to large-scale live sports event execution.
- Directed broadcast operations, ensuring seamless delivery of sales commitments, sponsorship integrations, graphics, and on-air elements.
- Partnered with marketing and sales teams to align programming with advertising and commercial opportunities, ensuring sponsor deliverables were met.
- Managed annual content acquisition (200+ hours), budgets, and vendor contracts with a strong focus on cost optimization.
- Mentored a team and fostered a high-performance culture, driving accountability and excellence under tight deadlines.
Manager - Programming
Discovery Channel India
09.2014 - 10.2015
- Content selection across Discovery U.S. Output Deals, Discovery International Deals & India specific vendors
- Acquired 500+ hours for consuming on linear platforms – Viacom, Cineflix, Passion, Beyond etc.
- Categories: Local Crime Shows, Lifestyle Shows, Customization of acquired with local talent.
- Evaluating show concepts & pilots for new local productions
- Responsible for programming budgets for the vertical
- Develop programming strategy on a monthly & annual basis in sync with the revenue & viewership targets
- Tracking the genre consumption & channel viewership across various target groups & applying the research findings to increase viewership for all channels (female & family vertical)
- Dive deep and analyze data (internal and external) for informed decision making.
Sr. Executive - Programming
Network18 (HistoryTV18)
11.2011 - 09.2014
- Part of HistoryTV18 channel launch team in 2011 with Salman Khan being the brand ambassador.
- Responsible for channel launch tech and broadcasting operations. Implemented Broadview software operations for the channel launch.
- Oversee channel launch promo strategy.
- Genre analysis – HistoryTV18 launch increased the factual genre by 33%
- Ref - https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/positive-opening-for-historygrows-factual-entertainment-genre-43907.html
Executive - Programming
National Geographic Channel
01.2008 - 09.2011
- Channels – Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, Fox Life
- Rebranded Fox History & Entertainment to Fox Life
- Responsible for complete programming, research & audience analytics for re-launch of both channels
- Projecting the viewership targets basis the TG & geography for the channel re-launch
- Driving the Content Selection, Channel Grid, On-Air Promotion Strategy and Quality Control basis research findings
- Software’s worked on: PARADIGM, TAM, TMPEG
Education
B.E - Electronics & Instrumentation
Shivaji University
09-2006
Sr. Secondary - Science stream
Greenfields School
03-2002
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Content Engagement Strategy
- Stakeholder & Govt Liaison
- Vendor & Partner Negotiations
- Content Acquisition
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Broadcast Operations & OnAir Promotions
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Dale Carnegie & Associates Trained Leader
Languages
kashmiri
Upper intermediate (B2)
English
Advanced (C1)
Hindi
Advanced (C1)
Marathi
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
General Manager – Programming
HistoryTV18 (Network18)
10.2015 - Current
Manager - Programming
Discovery Channel India
09.2014 - 10.2015
Sr. Executive - Programming
Network18 (HistoryTV18)
11.2011 - 09.2014
Executive - Programming
National Geographic Channel
01.2008 - 09.2011
B.E - Electronics & Instrumentation
Shivaji University
Sr. Secondary - Science stream
Greenfields School