Punit Goenka
Punit Goenka is an Indian business executive serving as chief executive officer of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL), a major media conglomerate focused on television broadcasting, digital content, and film production.[1][2] As the elder son of Essel Group founder and chairman Subhash Chandra, Goenka has held key leadership roles within the family-controlled entity, emphasizing operational efficiency and content innovation amid competitive pressures in India's media sector.[1] His tenure, however, has been defined by regulatory challenges, including a June 2023 interim order from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) barring him and his father from key positions in listed companies over prima facie evidence of fund diversion from ZEEL to other group firms for personal benefit, involving over ₹200 crore in related-party loans not repaid on time.[3][4] In November 2024, Goenka resigned as managing director—prompting a 7% surge in ZEEL shares—while retaining his CEO role to focus on core operations, following the collapse of a proposed $10 billion merger with Sony Pictures Networks India, where governance concerns were cited.[5][6] SEBI rejected settlement applications from Goenka and ZEEL in January 2025, signaling continued probes into the allegations despite partial repayments and internal audits.[7]