In a major shake-up for the Indian media landscape, seasoned media professional Varun Kohli has officially returned to Bharat Express as Director & Group CEO. This marks a homecoming for Kohli, who previously served as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, and brings decades of experience to steer the publication into its next growth phase.
Kohli’s return comes after a two-year stint at Times Network, where he served as Chief Operating Officer from June 2023 to August 2025. His move back to Bharat Express signals a renewed focus on strengthening the brand’s footprint in an increasingly competitive media market.
A Veteran Media Leader Returns
Varun Kohli’s career spans over 30 years across India’s leading media houses. Before rejoining Bharat Express, he led Sporty Solutionz as CEO and spent more than eight years at iTV Network, holding multiple leadership positions including Group CEO, CEO, and COO & Revenue Head.
He has also held senior roles at Network18, Times Group, HT Media, Amar Ujala, DNA Newspapers, Mail Today, Deccan Chronicle Holdings, and Mogae Media, making him one of the most experienced and well-rounded leaders in Indian media.
What Kohli Brings to Bharat Express
With a track record in strategic management, P&L oversight, sales, marketing, people leadership, and operations, Kohli is expected to drive Bharat Express toward expansion and innovation across platforms.
Industry experts believe his return will:
- Strengthen brand positioning across print, digital, and broadcast channels
- Enhance content strategy and operational efficiency
- Expand the company’s audience reach and engagement
- Drive innovation in media delivery and monetization
Kohli’s leadership comes at a crucial time when media organizations are adapting to changing audience behaviors, digital consumption trends, and the growing need for integrated, multi-platform content strategies.
A Strategic Move for Growth
Bharat Express’ decision to bring back Kohli reflects a strategic push for leadership continuity and experienced guidance. His in-depth knowledge of the media ecosystem, combined with prior experience at the organization, positions him perfectly to lead Bharat Express in achieving its next phase of growth.
His tenure is expected to focus on modernizing operations, scaling digital platforms, and strengthening the editorial and business strategy, ensuring that Bharat Express stays competitive in India’s fast-evolving media sector.
Looking Ahead
Varun Kohli’s return is more than just a personnel change—it’s a statement of intent. As media organizations across India strive to balance traditional journalism with digital innovation, Bharat Express is betting on proven leadership and strategic expertise to expand its presence and influence.
With Kohli at the helm, the publication is poised to tackle new challenges, embrace emerging media technologies, and deliver compelling content to audiences across the country.
