Laxmi Shetty steps down from ZEEL after 21-Year tenure

Laxmi Shetty, a senior management executive at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), has resigned from the company after a 21-year-long association, citing personal reasons. Her resignation will come into effect on November 9, 2026, and she will serve a 180-day notice period in line with company policy.

Shetty was most recently serving as Head – Advertisement Revenue for Broadcast and Digital, a role she took on in August 2025 following the exit of Ashish Sehgal. At the time, ZEEL had entrusted her with leading monetisation across its linear and digital businesses, reporting directly to CEO Punit Goenka.

Earlier this year, the company had appointed Sandeep Mehrotra as Chief Operating Officer – Advertisement Revenue, with plans to restructure the sales function. Shetty was expected to transition into a new role under the revised leadership structure. Prior to joining ZEEL, Mehrotra was associated with Culver Max Entertainment, where he headed advertisement sales for network channels.

In her resignation letter, Shetty expressed deep emotion, stating she was stepping down with “utmost sadness and a heavy heart” after more than two decades at the company. She thanked Goenka for his continued support and acknowledged the “innumerable breakthroughs and successes” achieved during her tenure.

Reflecting on her journey, Shetty noted that her time at ZEEL offered her holistic growth and invaluable learning experiences. She also expressed gratitude to her colleagues, crediting them for making her journey both successful and memorable.

Shetty confirmed that she has already completed the handover of responsibilities to Mehrotra, as advised by the management, and will continue to extend support during her notice period.

Separately, Umesh Kumar Bansal, Chief Business Officer – Zee Studios, has also resigned from ZEEL and is set to take on the role of Managing Director and CEO at B4U/IVY.