MUMBAI: 9X Media Pvt. Ltd has announced the appointment of Ashwinikumar Patil as head of programming for 9X Jhakaas. Patil would be reporting to 9X Media chief programming officer Amar Tidke.

Commenting on the hire, Tidke said, "9X Jhakaas has grown manifold times since its launch 4 years ago. Today, the Channel is a major player in the Marathi music and entertainment industry. I welcome Ashwinikumar on board. I am sure his rich and diverse experience will be of immense value to 9X Jhakaas as the Channel enters the next phase of growth."

With over 12 years of experience in programming and production, Patil has worked across a broad spectrum of media and entertainment companies including Zee Marathi, Zee Talkies, etc. He started his career as a Radio Jockey on Big FM Mumbai station. Later he went on to launch the Solapur, Indore and Gwalior radio stations at Big FM. He has also held the position of regional non-fiction head at Reliance Big Productions.

Speaking on joining 9X Jhakaas, Patil added, “I am extremely pleased to be a part of the young and vibrant team at 9X Jhakaas. The Channel has achieved an unprecedented growth in a very short span of time and has played a crucial role in reviving the Marathi film & music industry. I look forward to a very productive and successful future with 9X Jhakaas.”