Times group's Guha joins Zee Telefilms

Pradeep Guha, president of leading media company Bennet & Coleman's Times group, has joined the Subhash Chandra-controlled Zee Telefilms as chief executive officer.

This puts an end to the speculation over his severing ties with Bennet & Coleman group where he worked for thirty years. He will don his new role from January 2005.

Subhash Chandra, chairman of Zee Telefilms, said in a release, "We are happy to announce the appointment of an accomplished professional such as Guha as the CEO of Zee Telefilms. Our numerous channels spanning several languages and genres will be a perfect foil to his skills as a media and entertainment expert."

Under Guha's leadership, the Times group established many trendsetting practices such as Page 3 culture in India with the launch of Bombay Times, Filmfare award and Femina Miss India contest. He was also responsible for Times' foray into film production with Fiza.

Asia's largest biennial advertising Congress, held in 2003 in Jaipur, was also managed by Guha and his team.

He is affiliated to associations such as Indian Newspaper Society, National Readership Studies Council, Advertising Council of India, Advertising Club Bombay, among others. Bhaskar Das will step in Guha's shoes at the Times group.