Prafull Kumar

Accomplished media distribution and channel management professional with wealth of experience delivering exceptional reach, revenue growth, and market dominance for top media houses including Jio Star, Sahara One, INX Media, Times Television, Zee Turner, and Turner International. Expert in strengthening operator alliances, driving subscriber penetration, and executing strategic distribution plans that maximize visibility, compliance, and profitability. Consistently achieved and exceeded annual revenue and collection targets across households and networks, while ensuring compliance through comprehensive audits and precise subscriber reporting.

Known for 100% subscriber penetration for Star Sports 1 & 2 during IPL, pioneering HD adoption across West Bengal. Successfully launched multiple blockbuster channels including Jalsha Movies, Movies OK, Star Gold Select, Hungama, and more. Adept at managing large territories, building strong relationships with cable operators, and executing high-stakes negotiations to deliver 120% growth in reach and revenue.

Strong communicator and strategic leader with proven ability to complete initiatives within deadlines, enhance operational hygiene, and reinforce brand leadership in highly competitive markets.

Manager - Distribution (West Bengal) - Star India Pvt. Ltd. (Jio Star) - Kolkata

(2017-02)

• Executed 35+ comprehensive audits, enforcing compliance and transparency across networks while ensuring precise subscriber reporting.
• Surpassed annual revenue and collection targets for 5 consecutive years, successfully managing ~12 lakh households across 35 networks.
• Delivered 100% subscriber penetration for Star Sports 1 & 2 during IPL, setting an unprecedented benchmark in regional viewership.
• Championed the rollout of DAS Phases I–III, accelerating digital transformation and ensuring seamless regulatory compliance.
• Amplified HD channel adoption, unlocking substantial subscriber growth and strengthening brand dominance.

Senior Executive - Distribution (West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, North East India) - Star India Pvt. Ltd. (Jio Star) - Kolkata

(2012-02 - 2017-02)

• Engineered successful market launches of blockbuster channels (Movies OK, Jalsha Movies, Star Gold Select, Hungama, SS1 Bengali, SS2 Hindi, etc.), driving subscriber acquisition and market penetration.
• Propelled regional TRP and viewership, positioning STAR as the market leader in multiple territories.
• Optimized channel placements through strategic coordination with cable operators, increasing visibility, reach, and TRPs.
• Directed LC1 expansion project, extending Star's presence into underserved regions and boosting reach & market share.

Assistant Manager - Distribution - Sahara One Media & Entertainment Ltd. - Eastern India

(2009-07 - 2012-01)

• Forged strong client and stakeholder partnerships, driving consistent sales momentum and territory growth.
• Deployed region-specific marketing strategies tailored to consumer insights, strengthening brand recall and engagement.
• Delivered actionable market intelligence through rigorous analysis, directly influencing strategic sales planning.
• Steered sales planning and resource optimization, enhancing profitability and operational efficiency.

Territory Manager - INX Media Pvt. Ltd. - Patna, Bihar

(2007-07 - 2009-06)

• Pioneered launch of pay channels (9X, 9XM, NewsX), aligning distribution strategies with revenue goals in markets.
• Elevated brand presence through grassroots outreach, expanding awareness among MSOs, LCOs, and rural operators.
• Strengthened MSO/operator alliances, securing premium channel placements and sustaining high performance.
• Directed distributor teams with structured leadership, motivation, and performance tracking to maximize output.
• Delivered 100% revenue collection (Apr–Dec 2008) while maintaining top evaluation index across four consecutive quarters.
• Reported critical market intelligence directly to VP–East, enabling data-driven strategic decisions.

Officer - Distribution - Times Television (The Times of India Group) - Patna, Bihar

(2004-08 - 2007-07)

• Launched Times Now & Zoom channels across Bihar and Jharkhand, establishing strong footholds in urban/rural segments.
• Formulated/executed market-entry blueprints that ensured 100% revenue realization & accelerated viewership traction.
• Drove early-stage brand establishment by owning complete territory-level execution and customer outreach.
• Advised AVP-East with actionable market intelligence to shape regional expansion strategies.

Rural Sales Executive - Eastern UP & Nepal - Zee Turner Ltd. - Varanasi, UP

(2002-04 - 2004-07)

• Expanded channel distribution across Eastern UP & Nepal, achieving sharp growth in subscriptions and footprint.
• Strengthened rural markets to outperform urban benchmarks, accelerating territory-wide growth.
• Delivered exceptional turnover and market share expansion, reinforcing Zee Turner's dominance in Nepal.
• Reported territory performance to Regional Manager–Eastern UP, supporting regional strategy execution.

Sales Representative - Bihar & Jharkhand - Turner International India Pvt. Ltd.

(2000-07 - 2002-04)

• Managed statewide distribution in Bihar under distributor networks, ensuring holistic channel coverage/penetration.
• Introduced global brands (HBO, Cartoon Network, CNN, SABE TV) into untapped rural markets with low English adoption.
• Overcame language barriers with innovative communication strategies, securing 100% revenue turnover.
• Drove niche channel acceptance in emerging viewership segments, building early brand loyalty.
• Supported Area Sales Manager with on-ground intelligence and territory performance reports.

B. Com (Hons.) - B.R.A Bihar University