SUNDAR KONDUR APPOINTED CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER AT THE HINDU GROUP PUBLISHING

Sundar Kondur has taken charge as Chief Revenue Officer at The Hindu Group Publishing Pvt Ltd, marking a key leadership move for the legacy media house. His appointment underscores the group’s focus on strengthening revenue strategy, accelerating digital growth, and building sustainable business models aligned with its trusted editorial legacy.  

Sundar Kondur’s appointment as Chief Revenue Officer at The Hindu Group Publishing Pvt Ltd marks a significant leadership development at one of India’s most respected and enduring media institutions. With a legacy spanning more than a century, The Hindu Group has long stood for editorial credibility, public trust, and intellectual rigour. Kondur’s entry into the organisation’s top commercial leadership comes at a time when the media industry is navigating rapid transformation, balancing traditional strengths with new-age revenue models, digital innovation, and evolving audience expectations.

The announcement, shared by Kondur as he expressed excitement about starting his new role, signals a renewed focus on revenue growth and commercial strategy for The Hindu Group. As Chief Revenue Officer, Kondur will be responsible for steering the company’s revenue engines across platforms, aligning advertising, subscriptions, partnerships, and emerging monetisation opportunities with the group’s long-term vision. His role is expected to be central to ensuring that the organisation’s strong editorial mission is supported by sustainable and future-ready business models.

The Hindu Group Publishing Pvt Ltd occupies a unique position in India’s media landscape. Anchored by The Hindu newspaper, along with publications such as BusinessLine, Frontline, Sportstar and a growing digital portfolio, the group has historically been associated with principled journalism and a loyal readership. However, like media companies globally, it faces the dual challenge of protecting legacy revenue streams while accelerating growth in digital and diversified offerings. Kondur’s appointment reflects an understanding that commercial leadership today must be both strategic and adaptive, capable of responding to shifts in consumer behaviour, advertiser expectations, and technology-driven disruption.

As the media industry increasingly pivots toward digital-first consumption, the role of a Chief Revenue Officer has become more complex and influential than ever before. Revenue leadership is no longer limited to traditional advertising sales; it encompasses subscription strategy, data-led audience monetisation, branded content, events, licensing, and strategic alliances. Kondur’s mandate will likely involve bringing coherence across these revenue streams, ensuring that the organisation maximises value without compromising the trust it has built with readers over decades.

Industry observers note that senior commercial appointments at legacy media houses often signal a phase of strategic recalibration. The Hindu Group, while deeply rooted in print excellence, has been steadily investing in digital products, subscription-led models, and audience engagement initiatives. With Kondur at the helm of revenue operations, the company is expected to sharpen its focus on growth opportunities that align with its values, including premium journalism, high-quality business content, and a discerning, knowledge-driven audience base.

Kondur’s enthusiasm for the role underscores the significance of joining an institution that commands respect not just in India, but globally. The Hindu’s readership includes policymakers, academics, professionals, students, and informed citizens who rely on the publication for credible and nuanced reporting. Monetising such an audience requires a thoughtful approach—one that values long-term relationships over short-term gains. The Chief Revenue Officer’s role, therefore, is as much about stewardship as it is about scale.

The timing of Kondur’s appointment is also noteworthy. The Indian media and publishing sector is at an inflection point, with digital advertising growth, subscription fatigue among consumers, and increasing competition from global platforms all shaping the business environment. At the same time, there is a renewed appreciation for trustworthy news sources, particularly amid misinformation and content overload. For established brands like The Hindu, this presents both an opportunity and a responsibility: to translate credibility into sustainable revenue while reinforcing the importance of quality journalism.

Within this context, Kondur’s leadership will likely focus on integrating data and insights into revenue decision-making. Understanding reader behaviour, consumption patterns, and engagement metrics is now critical to designing effective subscription models and advertiser solutions. A modern CRO must bridge the gap between editorial, product, technology, and sales teams, fostering collaboration to create offerings that resonate with audiences and partners alike. Kondur’s role will be pivotal in aligning these functions under a unified commercial strategy.

The Hindu Group has also been exploring newer formats and platforms, including podcasts, video content, newsletters, and live events. Each of these presents distinct monetisation possibilities, from sponsorships and memberships to experiential revenue streams. As Chief Revenue Officer, Kondur will be expected to evaluate and scale such initiatives, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to the group’s financial health while enhancing audience engagement.

Another key aspect of the role will involve strengthening relationships with advertisers and brand partners. In an era where brands seek context, credibility, and impact, The Hindu’s environment offers a premium proposition. However, delivering value today goes beyond reach and frequency; it requires customised solutions, storytelling, and measurable outcomes. Kondur’s leadership will be central to shaping how The Hindu Group positions itself as a trusted partner for advertisers seeking meaningful connections with discerning audiences.

Internally, the appointment is also likely to have a galvanising effect on teams across the organisation. A clear revenue vision can provide direction and confidence, particularly during periods of industry uncertainty. By articulating a roadmap for growth and sustainability, the Chief Revenue Officer can help unify teams around common goals, reinforcing the idea that commercial success and editorial integrity are not opposing forces, but complementary pillars of a strong media institution.

Kondur’s message of excitement about starting his new role suggests a sense of purpose and optimism. Joining The Hindu Group at this juncture offers the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that is both historically significant and future-focused. For many media professionals, the chance to work with a brand that has shaped public discourse for generations carries a sense of responsibility that extends beyond conventional business objectives.

As The Hindu Group Publishing Pvt Ltd looks ahead, Kondur’s appointment represents more than a change in leadership; it reflects a broader commitment to evolving with the times while staying true to core principles. In an industry where trust is currency, the challenge lies in building revenue models that respect the reader and empower the newsroom. The Chief Revenue Officer’s role sits at the heart of this balance, translating institutional values into viable commercial strategies.

Sundar Kondur’s new chapter at The Hindu Group will be closely watched by industry peers and stakeholders alike. His ability to navigate complexity, drive growth, and support a mission-driven organisation will shape not only the group’s financial trajectory, but also its capacity to continue delivering journalism that informs, educates, and influences society. As he steps into the role, his leadership is poised to play a defining part in how one of India’s most trusted media houses charts its path in a rapidly changing media landscape.