MUMBAI: In what can be considered as a major boost to Netflix’s India operations, the streaming giant has secured the services of Monika Shergill - EVP and head content Viacom18 Digital Ventures. Widely regarded as one of the key drivers of Voot, the stellar entertainment executive will take up the crucial role of Head, Series, International Originals, Netflix India.

"We can confirm that Monika Shergill will join Netflix as Head, Series, International Originals, Netflix India," the streaming service told Indiantelevision.com.

For Netflix, India has seen the fastest content investment for any country in its first few years. Creating mainstream original series and movies in India and adding top quality, big budget licensed content will be a key aspect of Shergill’s job, thus making her role very important for the company. She is expected to join Netflix in the next couple of months.

In India, Netflix has announced 11 original series, 22 originals films, in addition to standup comedy specials (Vir Das, Aditi Mittal), unscripted (Cricket Fever: Mumbai Indians) and kids series (Mighty Little Bheem). Netflix has already released five local original series, eight local original films. 

Shergill, a media veteran with proven pedigree, joined Viacom18 in 2015. She was instrumental in scaling up Voot’s content catalogue.  Last year, Voot announced the launch of 18 multilingual Originals under her leadership.

Shergill has nearly two decades of experience in the media and entertainment business, having worked across genres at some of India’s top broadcasters.