At CToday Awards, we take immense pride in honoring trailblazing leaders who redefine industries and inspire transformation. In our esteemed Leaders & Leadership category, one name stands out—Somnath Malakar. With over two decades of experience in the FMCG and consumer goods sector, Somnath has immense strategic expertise and innovation in his role as Chief Executive Officer of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian Ocean Islands. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in driving Zee’s remarkable success across the continent, shaping the future of entertainment in the region.

A Leader Who Owns Every Challenge
Somnath Malakar is the driving force behind Zee Entertainment’s growth in Africa. From curating diverse content to overseeing financial strategy, marketing, and revenue management, he takes full accountability for every decision—living by the philosophy, “The buck stops with me.” His hands-on approach fosters agility, efficiency, and a culture where his team thrives under minimal stress and maximum impact. His ability to prioritize, delegate effectively, and tackle challenges head-on has helped Zee Entertainment navigate the dynamic media landscape in Africa. Leading a multinational brand in a culturally diverse continent requires strategic adaptability—something Somnath has mastered over the years. His leadership ensures that Zee remains not just a broadcaster but a vital storyteller that bridges cultures and connects audiences.

Under his leadership, Zee has broken barriers, pioneering localized content that resonates deeply with African audiences. Recognizing the region’s linguistic and cultural diversity, Somnath spearheaded the launch of Zee World and Zee Magic—the first Indian telenovela channels dubbed in English and French, respectively. This groundbreaking move made Indian content more accessible to millions of African viewers. He later introduced Zee Alem in Amharic for Ethiopian audiences and Zee Zonke in isiZulu for South Africa—each a testament to his vision of cultural inclusivity. These strategic initiatives have not only expanded Zee’s reach to over 40 million households but also reinforced the brand’s commitment to delivering authentic and engaging content tailored to local audiences.

Beyond broadcasting, Somnath led Zee into original local content production in South Africa and Nigeria, making it the first Indian media company to do so. By blending global expertise with local narratives, Zee continues to redefine Africa’s media landscape. This path into local content creation has strengthened Zee’s positioning in Africa, proving that storytelling transcends borders when it is authentic and relatable.

Risk-Taker, Change-Maker
Somnath’s leadership is defined by bold, calculated risks. “We never ran away from calculated risk-taking,” he asserts, a philosophy that keeps Zee Entertainment ahead of the curve. Unlike many organizations that hesitate to step into uncharted territories, Somnath has embraced innovation as a continuous process. His approach involves staying ahead of industry trends, adapting to changing viewer preferences, and ensuring that Zee Entertainment remains relevant in an increasingly digital era. His ability to adapt and respond to evolving viewer demands ensures that Zee remains a household name, delivering content that is both relatable and forward-thinking. Whether it’s launching new channels, introducing fresh content formats, or leveraging digital platforms, Somnath’s forward-looking strategies have played a crucial role in Zee’s ongoing success in Africa.

Despite the relentless demands of time zones and executive responsibilities, he seamlessly balances work and personal life, crediting his family’s support. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and a belief that competition should fuel growth, not rivalry. “Competition does not mean enmity,” he emphasizes, fostering a media environment built on respect and innovation. His commitment to non-transactional relationships in business sets him apart. Rather than viewing competitors as threats, he sees them as contributors to the media ecosystem, encouraging partnerships and mutual growth. His leadership philosophy promotes teamwork, creativity, and long-term value creation, making Zee Entertainment a company that thrives on collaboration rather than isolation.

A Legacy That Inspires
While Zee Entertainment has received numerous accolades under his leadership, Somnath remains focused on impact rather than awards. To him, recognition is not the end goal but a validation of effort and a motivator for continuous innovation. “Acknowledgments give a badge to your effort and enforce a culture of innovation,” he states, emphasizing the importance of staying committed to the core values of storytelling and audience engagement. His advice to aspiring professionals in the media and entertainment industry is both practical and profound. He stresses the importance of embracing change, taking informed risks, and developing emotional intelligence to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape. He believes that success in this industry requires a combination of strategic thinking, adaptability, and a deep understanding of audience needs.

By championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Somnath envisions a vibrant media landscape that reflects the richness of its audience. He calls for purposeful leadership that leaves a lasting legacy, both personally and professionally. He believes that true leadership isn’t about individual success but about empowering others to grow and succeed.

The Future of Zee Entertainment in Africa & A Well-Deserved Recognition
Looking to the future, Somnath envisions Zee Entertainment leading the charge in transforming Africa’s media landscape. With a proven track record of innovation and a deep commitment to understanding viewer needs, Zee is set to launch more groundbreaking initiatives. By staying true to its core values while embracing change, the company is well-positioned to make even greater contributions in the years ahead. He also recognizes the growing importance of digital transformation in media and entertainment. With increasing mobile and internet penetration across Africa, Zee Entertainment is exploring ways to engage audiences through digital platforms, streaming services, and interactive content. Somnath’s forward-thinking strategies will continue to shape how Zee adapts to the digital revolution while maintaining its core identity.

Somnath’s leadership has not only elevated Zee Entertainment but also enriched the broader media ecosystem in Africa. His ability to balance vision with execution, passion with pragmatism, and innovation with tradition makes him a true trailblazer in the industry. His journey as CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian Ocean Islands, showcases the power of visionary leadership and relentless dedication. His selection as a jury member in the CToday Awards Leaders & Leadership category is a tribute to his exceptional contributions to the media industry. As Zee continues to redefine the boundaries of entertainment in Africa, Somnath’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations of leaders to come. His story is not just one of professional success but also a profound impact on the lives of millions, making him a true icon in the world of media and entertainment.