MUMBAI: Global music streaming service, Rdio is all set to invest heavily in India and has made its first move by opening its office in Mumbai.
This is the “second largest investment” made by the company after San Francisco. Rdio India has appointed Shamik Talukder as general manager and India head. Talukder will be reporting to Rdio’s International President Scott Bagby.
Bagby said, “We will invest heavily in India as we firmly believe in this market. Like any other market, there are some targets for this market too and we hope to achieve it.”
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As was reported earlier by Radioandmusic.com, prior to joining Rdio, Talukder was with Viacom 18’s INS as vice president and revenue management and development head.
On the other hand, with this development, the Shinde brothers – Swapnil and Snehal, the ?former Rdio vice presidents – spearheading India efforts, will step into an advisory role.
Additionally, the company has appointed Ganesh Iyer as head of content and marketing. Iyer joins Rdio India from Radio Mirchi where he was senior vice president and regional programming head (South).
Rdio India has appointed approximately 10-12 people for its Mumbai office. However, the company has not yet finalised the location of the office in India.
Talukder is tasked with Rdio’s growth into the Indian market and to drive new partnerships.
Commenting on joining Rdio, Talukder said, “It is exciting to be in the space. I have been part of various media vehicles and joining Rdio India is more or less being part of the same eco-system.”
Talukder has been associated with companies like Radio Mirchi, OOH Media India, Times Out of Home Media, Sony Entertainment Television and Star TV. He brings over 19 years of brand development, revenue assurance and marketing experience within the Media and Entertainment industry in India.
Talukder and Iyer, both have a background in radio, which indicates that the company will have curated content that will have radio like content. Talukder said, “As we were part of radio, it helps us understand the market and consumer and the way the music in consumed. This learning will be implemented to build Rdio in India. There will be lot of alliance and partnerships that we will stitch together, which will help us get consumers on board and experience it.”
Iyer brings in over 17 years of content and marketing management experience and has in the past worked with Sony Music & FCB Ulka.
