MUMBAI: Maa TV Network, which owns and operates Telugu general entertainment channel Maa TV, has appointed Sharradh Marar as its chief executive officer. He replaces former Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma who has been in charge for only a few months.

Marar has a long association with the film industry and is said to be close to superstars Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna. Late last year the company restructured its shareholding with Chiranjeev, Nagarjuna and Matrix Laboratories Ltd (a listed company) promoter N Prasad acquiring 60 per cent stake.

Sarma was then roped in to head the company. He will, however, continue as advisor to Maa TV Network. "I have taken over as CEO and Sarma will stay as advisor to the company. My immediate focus will be to consolidate our channel's position and try out ways to increase our market share," says Marar.

Marar was heading the southern operations in Amitabh Bachchan's company ABCL. Later he floated a media company, South Parade, that was into buying and branded content. He has also produced TV serials for Gemini and has 15 years of TV exposure.