Durga Raghunath is now CEO, Network18 Digital

Network18 Digital, the digital content arm of Network18 has strengthened its leadership structure by promoting Durga Raghunath to CEO. Earlier, she was the CEO of Firstpost.com, the group's news and opinion portal. Lakshmi Narasimhan, Raghunath's predecessor, is now moving onto a corporate role.

Speaking about her elevation, Raghunath said "The Network18 Digital portfolio would make anyone proud. As digital usage and spends spiral up in India, it is exciting to have the opportunity to do more with our existing products as well as build new ones."

Network18 Digital, earlier referred to as Web18, comprises digital content brands and services including Moneycontrol.com, Ibnlive.com, Firstpost.com, Burrp.com and the recently-launched Firstbiz.com and News18.com.

Raghunath has been with Network18 since 2011[/caption]

Commenting on the development, Ajay Chacko, COO, Network18 said "At Network18 Digital, we are proud to have built cult digital content brands which have had a defining influence on the space. As consumer internet in India undergoes a paradigm shift, we continue to be focused on leading this change from the front. Durga is well-equipped to lead this effort for us due to her strong understanding of the digital user, products and the opportunity."

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Lakshmi Narasimhan added, "Durga has played a stellar role in transforming Firstpost from an innovative idea into a leader brand today. We are confident that in this expanded mandate, she will take Network18 Digital to newer heights."

Raghunath joined Network18 in 2011 and is credited with conceptualising and launching Firstpost.com. She has over 10 years of experience in publishing - both books and digital. She previously worked with the Wall Street Journal, Mint and HarperCollins in New York. She has an MBA from ISB and studied publishing at Columbia University.