NDTV Appoints Akhil Gupta as Chief Financial Officer to Drive Financial Transformation  

NDTV has named Akhil Gupta as its new Chief Financial Officer, strengthening its financial leadership amid ongoing transformation. A Chartered Accountant with nearly two decades of cross-sector experience, Gupta will oversee financial strategy, risk management and compliance as NDTV accelerates digital expansion and long-term organisational growth.  

NDTV has announced the appointment of Akhil Gupta as its new Chief Financial Officer, a move that signals a renewed emphasis on financial discipline and strategic execution as the media organisation advances through a phase of transformation. The appointment comes at a time when NDTV is sharpening its focus on digital growth, operational efficiency and long-term value creation in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving media landscape.

Gupta brings with him nearly two decades of professional experience spanning multiple sectors, including media, telecommunications, infrastructure and healthcare. A Chartered Accountant by training, he is widely regarded for his ability to navigate complex financial environments, manage large-scale transformations and align financial strategy with business objectives. At NDTV, he will be responsible for overseeing the company’s financial planning and analysis, risk management, compliance frameworks and engagement with key stakeholders, both internal and external.

The role of the CFO has become especially critical for media organisations operating in a period of structural change. Traditional revenue models have been disrupted by the rapid shift toward digital consumption, evolving audience behaviour and the growing influence of technology platforms. For NDTV, which has been actively expanding its digital footprint and reimagining its content and distribution strategies, strong financial leadership is seen as a cornerstone of sustainable growth. Gupta’s appointment reflects the organisation’s intent to build a resilient financial backbone capable of supporting innovation while maintaining robust governance standards.

Over the years, Gupta has worked across industries that demand rigorous financial controls and long-term planning, experiences that are expected to translate well into NDTV’s current priorities. His exposure to the media sector, in particular, positions him to understand the nuances of content-driven businesses, advertising cycles and digital monetisation models. At the same time, his background in telecom and infrastructure has given him insight into capital-intensive operations, regulatory environments and large-scale project management, while his healthcare experience adds a perspective on compliance and stakeholder trust.

At NDTV, Gupta will play a central role in aligning financial strategy with the company’s broader organisational goals. This includes supporting investments in digital platforms, technology infrastructure and content innovation, while ensuring that financial risk is carefully managed. As media companies increasingly balance the need for speed and agility with fiscal prudence, the CFO’s office has emerged as a strategic partner to the leadership team rather than a purely administrative function.

Industry observers note that NDTV’s decision to reinforce its finance leadership comes amid heightened competition in India’s media sector. The market is witnessing a proliferation of digital-first news platforms, aggressive expansion by established broadcasters and growing expectations from audiences for credible, real-time and multi-format content. Against this backdrop, financial clarity and disciplined execution are essential for sustaining growth and maintaining editorial independence.

Gupta’s mandate will also include strengthening compliance and governance frameworks, an area of growing importance as media organisations operate under increasing regulatory scrutiny and public attention. Ensuring transparency, adherence to statutory requirements and effective risk management will be key to maintaining trust among investors, partners and audiences alike. His experience in managing complex compliance environments across sectors is expected to support NDTV in this regard.

Another important aspect of Gupta’s role will be stakeholder engagement. As CFO, he will serve as a critical interface between NDTV and its stakeholders, including shareholders, auditors, lenders and regulatory bodies. Clear communication of the company’s financial performance, strategic priorities and long-term outlook will be essential as NDTV continues to evolve its business model. Effective stakeholder engagement is also vital for building confidence during periods of change and investment.

NDTV’s leadership has underscored that the appointment is part of a broader effort to build a future-ready organisation. As digital expansion accelerates, financial planning must account for new revenue streams, evolving cost structures and technology-led efficiencies. From subscription models and digital advertising to content syndication and partnerships, the financial architecture supporting the business is becoming more complex. Gupta’s experience in managing diverse portfolios is expected to help NDTV navigate these complexities with greater agility.

For Gupta, the move represents an opportunity to contribute to one of India’s most recognisable media brands at a pivotal moment in its journey. NDTV has long been associated with credible journalism and a strong public presence, and its current phase of transformation seeks to build on that legacy while adapting to new realities. As CFO, Gupta will be tasked with ensuring that financial strategy enables, rather than constrains, this evolution.

The appointment also reflects a broader trend across the media industry, where financial leaders are increasingly expected to play a strategic role in shaping growth trajectories. Beyond managing balance sheets and budgets, today’s CFOs are involved in scenario planning, digital investment decisions and organisational transformation initiatives. Gupta’s cross-sector experience suggests an ability to approach these challenges with a holistic perspective.

As NDTV continues to strengthen its digital offerings and organisational capabilities, the focus on robust financial leadership is likely to remain central to its strategy. The company’s decision to bring in a seasoned professional like Akhil Gupta underscores its commitment to building a strong foundation for sustainable growth in a rapidly changing media environment. With his appointment, NDTV signals confidence in its ability to balance innovation with financial prudence, positioning itself to navigate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in India’s dynamic media landscape.