Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Venugopal Menon

Venugopal Menon

Bangalore

Summary

Sales leader with extensive experience at Disney/Star India, recognized for driving significant ad revenue growth through innovative strategies and effective key account management. Proficient in digital and television sales planning, consistently exceeds targets while enhancing market presence. Strong ability to build and maintain client relationships, delivering exceptional results in competitive environments.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Region Head Sports-South

JIO Star
Bangalore
01.2025 - Current
  • Heading ad sales business across digital, connected TV (JioHotstar) and linear television (Star Sports) platforms for SMBs (small and medium businesses) and emerging categories across the South regional markets.
  • Driving revenue growth and managing advertising for key sports properties, including the Indian Premier League (IPL '25), T-20 Men's and Women's World Cup cricket, Champions Trophy, bilateral cricket (ICC and BCCI series), Pro Kabaddi, and premium sports events (US Open and English Premier League).
  • Developed and executed sales strategies targeting SMB clients, key categories, and startup business opportunities, resulting in increased platform engagement and revenue growth.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with agency partners and clients in the evolving media landscape.

Associate Director - Sales

Disney/Star India Pvt Ltd
Bangalore
02.2014 - 12.2024
  • Heading the ad sales revenue of Star Asianet cluster channels for Bangalore and Hyderabad clients.
  • Managed cross-channel sales for the South Regional Network, leading pre-sales, and sponsorship deals for key show launches.
  • Pioneered AFP content slots, creating customized advertising solutions that significantly boosted FCT sales and client engagement.
  • Developed and nurtured long-term client-agency relationships, consistently identifying new revenue streams, and exceeding sales targets.
  • Achieved record-breaking revenue by optimizing FCT potential and securing top-tier sponsors for major show launches.
  • Drove significant market share growth through innovative sales strategies and high-value sponsorship deals.

Manager - Sales

Sony Entertainment Television
Bangalore
11.2007 - 02.2014
  • Led ad sales for SET MAX, Sony MIX, and IPL in South India, consistently delivering 30-40% year-over-year revenue growth for IPL since its inception.
  • Expanded Sony's presence in the southern market by driving revenue for Hindi movies and music genres, and launching successful campaigns in new sectors.
  • Consistently exceeded revenue targets for world television premieres, and expanded SET MAX's footprint across the southern market.
  • Built strong client relationships with new sectors, contributing to substantial business growth.

Regional Manager

Asianet Communications Ltd.
Bangalore
08.2003 - 11.2007
  • Directed ad sales for Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, winning the Best Performer Award twice for outstanding business growth.
  • Conceptualized and executed the first-ever Asianet Television Awards in Bangalore, securing full event sponsorship, and generating high revenue.
  • Awarded Best Performer for ad sales in 2005 and 2006, driving substantial growth in the Karnataka and AP markets.
  • Established the Bangalore office and led all regional marketing and sales activities.

Executive – Ad Sales

Eenadu Television
Bangalore
05.2002 - 08.2003
  • Achieved significant advertising market share in Maharashtra and West Bengal, bringing new TV advertisers from other media platforms.
  • Played a pivotal role in boosting brand visibility for emerging channels through tailored ad sales strategies.

Business Executive

The New Indian Express
Bangalore
10.2000 - 05.2002
  • Instrumental in the successful launch of the Mangalore edition, driving new client acquisitions, and developing strategic advertising solutions for retail clients.
  • Developed revenue strategies for City Express and festival features, working closely with the editorial and advertising teams.

Education

Bachelor of Science -

St. Joseph's College
Bangalore

Skills

  • Digital and television sales planning
  • Advertisement and revenue generation
  • Key account management
  • Retail and business growth
  • Client retention and grievance handling
  • Event management and brand promotions
  • Negotiation and profit center management
  • Client prospecting and relationship building
  • Cross-functional team leadership
  • Sales reporting and analysis
  • Content development for AFP
  • Innovative campaigns and market penetration

Languages

  • English
  • Hindi
  • Malayalam
  • Tamil
  • Kannada

Timeline

Region Head Sports-South

JIO Star
01.2025 - Current

Associate Director - Sales

Disney/Star India Pvt Ltd
02.2014 - 12.2024

Manager - Sales

Sony Entertainment Television
11.2007 - 02.2014

Regional Manager

Asianet Communications Ltd.
08.2003 - 11.2007

Executive – Ad Sales

Eenadu Television
05.2002 - 08.2003

Business Executive

The New Indian Express
10.2000 - 05.2002

Bachelor of Science -

St. Joseph's College

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Venugopal Menon