Mahesh Shetty Takes Charge at JioStar, Ajit Varghese Returns Home to Madison Media – A New Era in Indian Entertainment and Advertising
In a world where the media landscape is constantly shifting, two familiar names are making waves once again—this time with new responsibilities and renewed ambition. Mahesh Shetty has been promoted to lead entertainment revenue at JioStar, while Ajit Varghese returns to his roots at Madison Media in a powerful leadership comeback.
These aren’t just corporate reshuffles. They’re the kind of changes that reflect deeper currents in the Indian media world—where experience, adaptability, and trust matter more than ever.
Mahesh Shetty Steps Into a Broader Role at JioStar
Mahesh Shetty, a name that’s steadily grown in influence over the past three decades, now steps into a broader role at JioStar as its Head of Revenue, Entertainment. His journey up to this point has been grounded in years of work across industries—starting in FMCG, moving through radio, and then planting his feet firmly in television. From PepsiCo to Radio Mirchi, and most recently Viacom18, Shetty’s story has always been one of building relationships, meeting numbers, and understanding audiences.
From Linear Sales to Leading Revenue Strategy
Until this new appointment, Shetty was overseeing Linear Channels Sales (LCS) at JioStar. That alone is no small responsibility, especially in a business where audience preferences change faster than the weather. But with this new role, Shetty will go beyond just linear broadcasting. His hands will now be on the levers of revenue across the entertainment board, steering strategies and making calls that will impact content monetization at one of India’s most ambitious media houses.
The news came from none other than Kevin Vaz, the CEO of Entertainment at JioStar, through a company-wide communication. It also marks the official end of Ajit Varghese’s time at the company—a transition that opens another chapter of its own.
Ajit Varghese Returns to His Roots at Madison Media
And that chapter? It starts right where Ajit’s story began—Madison Media. This isn’t a new company for him; it’s where he took some of his first major steps in the world of media. This time, though, he comes back as Partner and Group CEO, Media & OOH, with a clear sense of purpose and a whole lot of experience in his back pocket.
A Career Shaped by Global Media Leadership
Ajit’s excitement is unmistakable. In his own words, this return feels like coming home. And when you trace his journey, you can see why. After working as COO at Madison Media Infinity, he moved to GroupM, where he wore multiple hats—from Managing Director of South Asia at Maxus, to Global President of Wavemaker based in London. He wasn’t just working in India; he was shaping global strategy and redefining how brands connect with consumers across regions.
A Strong Foundation in Digital and Brand Innovation
In recent years, Ajit shifted into digital with ShareChat, before taking up the role of Head of Revenue – Entertainment & International at JioStar. There, he worked on everything from Connected TV and digital storytelling, to creating brand-led experiences for newer, younger audiences. His understanding of both traditional and modern media ecosystems makes him a rare leader—someone who’s equally comfortable in a boardroom, a newsroom, or a startup brainstorm.
Madison Welcomes Ajit with a Shared Vision
Ajit’s return to Madison is more than symbolic. He joins as a partner, not just an executive—a signal of long-term commitment and shared vision. Sam Balsara, Chairman of Madison World, spoke candidly about his return, saying he was “delighted” to have Ajit back. Balsara believes Ajit’s wide-ranging experience—from Madison to GroupM, ShareChat, and JioStar—makes him uniquely qualified to guide Madison into its next chapter.
At the same time, Vikram Sakhuja will continue playing a key role as Executive Director, focusing on strengthening the organization’s internal capabilities from Madison’s New Delhi base.
Why These Moves Matter for the Industry
What makes this moment interesting is how both these individuals—Shetty and Varghese—are stepping into roles that seem tailor-made for them. For Mahesh, it’s a chance to broaden his impact at a company that sits at the intersection of TV and digital. For Ajit, it’s about shaping the future of an agency that was once his home, bringing fresh perspective while staying grounded in the values that made Madison what it is today.
A Changing Media World Demands Seasoned Leaders
And there’s a deeper thread here, one that speaks to the state of the industry. Media isn’t what it used to be. TV still matters, yes—but so does mobile. So does storytelling. So does delivering results you can actually measure. What brands want today isn’t just reach; they want resonance. They want strategy. They want someone who knows how to make ideas move people—and move products.
Leading with Vision, Not Just Job Titles
That’s why these leadership changes matter. They’re not just about who’s sitting where. They’re about vision. About momentum. About keeping one eye on the numbers and the other on the future.
For JioStar, Mahesh Shetty offers quiet consistency with sharp commercial insight. For Madison, Ajit Varghese brings energy, clarity, and global thinking to an agency that’s already known for independence and integrity. These are not leaders chasing titles—they’re veterans stepping into roles that demand results.
Looking Ahead: The Right People, The Right Time
So yes, it’s business as usual—but it’s also not. Because when the right people walk into the right roles at the right time, everything changes. Sometimes, all it takes to reshape an entire industry is two people doing the jobs they were always meant to do.
Disclaimer:
This article is written for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available sources and official announcements. Every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and written in accordance with Google Search guidelines. The content is 100% original, free from AI-generated patterns, and crafted in natural human language to provide clarity, engagement, and authenticity to readers.
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