N※N

WWI & IIM Mumbai Launch Advisory Board for Media MBA

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. -mumbai-launch-advisory-board-for-media-mba.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, January 18th 2026 at 1:34 GMT by The Hans India

Mumbai, India - January 18, 2026 - A groundbreaking partnership between Whistling Woods International (WWI), a leading film school, and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai has culminated in the establishment of a High-Impact Advisory Board for their collaborative MBA program in Media & Entertainment. This move signals a significant commitment to ensuring the program's curriculum remains cutting-edge and directly relevant to the rapidly evolving landscape of the media and entertainment industry.

The joint MBA program, already recognized for its unique blend of management principles and specialized media industry knowledge, aims to produce future leaders equipped with both strategic business acumen and a deep understanding of the creative and technological forces shaping the sector. Recognizing the vital role industry experience plays in this process, WWI and IIM Mumbai have assembled a formidable board of advisors comprised of influential figures from across various media domains.

Bridging the Gap: Industry Relevance and Practical Application

The primary goal of the Advisory Board is to actively bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and the practical realities of the media and entertainment business. Historically, MBA programs, while valuable, have sometimes struggled to maintain close alignment with industry shifts. This board is designed to counteract that, ensuring that the program's content remains current and reflects the latest innovations and challenges faced by professionals.

The board's responsibilities extend beyond simply offering suggestions. They will actively participate in curriculum enhancement, providing hands-on mentorship to students, and significantly contributing to placement support, connecting graduates with potential employers and valuable networking opportunities.

"The media and entertainment sector is undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation, driven by digital disruption and evolving consumer behavior," stated Rajan Bansal, Director of Whistling Woods International. "This Advisory Board brings together a wealth of experience and perspectives that will be instrumental in guiding our program's evolution and ensuring our students are exceptionally well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead."

Professor Arjun Vaidya, Dean of IIM Mumbai, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the commitment to providing a world-class management education specifically tailored to the industry. "This initiative underscores our belief that a truly exceptional MBA program requires close collaboration with industry leaders. The feedback and guidance we receive from the Advisory Board will be invaluable in shaping our curriculum and ensuring our students are ready to assume leadership roles."

Meet the Board: A Who's Who of Media Powerhouses

The inaugural members of the High-Impact Advisory Board represent a diverse cross-section of the media and entertainment ecosystem, bringing a depth of expertise that will greatly benefit the MBA program. The board includes:

• Vishnu Vardhan Indukuri: Managing Director of Pantaloons, a major player in the retail sector with significant brand partnerships within entertainment.
• Siddharth Jain: Managing Director of INOX Group, a prominent entity with a strong presence in entertainment distribution and infrastructure.
• Alok Verma: Chief Marketing Officer at Viacom18, responsible for brand strategy and audience engagement for a leading media conglomerate.
• Anurag Sharma: Executive Director at Sony Pictures Networks India, possessing a deep understanding of broadcasting and content licensing.
• Rajesh Kaul: Former President of Distribution and New Media at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, bringing extensive experience in content distribution across traditional and digital platforms.

Looking Ahead: A Continuous Cycle of Improvement

The Advisory Board will convene regularly for strategic reviews, ensuring a dynamic and responsive approach to the program's development. This ongoing dialogue between academia and industry promises to solidify the MBA program's position as a leading provider of talent for the Indian media and entertainment sector, fostering innovation and driving the industry forward.