CNN's APAC ad sales lead Sunita Rajan steps down after 5 years

Sunita Rajan, CNN’s SVP advertising sales, Asia Pacific is leaving the company after more than five years. She first joined in 2015 as VP, advertising sales for CNN International Commercial and took on her current role in 2016. In a LinkedIn post, Rajan (pictured) said she has decided that it is time to move on to new endeavours after more than five years of working with one of the most trusted and iconic brands in the news business.

"Looking back at the time spent with CNN, I am incredibly proud of the spectacular and resilient Asia team that I have had the privilege to lead, and I will cherish the creative brilliance in delivering business results with exemplary team work," she added. Rajan said 2020 has been a challenging year for most individuals personally and professionally. However, it has given her the gift of time to reflect on her passion and interest in pursuing new challenges which require innovative solutions.

"The last few months have allowed me to open my mind, especially to new possibilities for digital transformation and creating value and opportunities in the next normal. I am keen to collaborate with likeminded industry peers and organisations to bring these ideas to life,” she added. She also thanked her colleagues at CNN, its clients, brand partners and industry associates. 

CNN's spokesperson confirmed the departure to Marketing, adding that it is grateful for Rajan's tremendous contributions to CNN International Commercial’s business portfolio across Asia Pacific. "We are thankful for her leadership and service and above all wish Sunita all the very best in pursuing her interests," the spokesperson added.

(Read also: Rajan pursues bold new vision for CNN)

As SVP, ad sales, Asia Pacific, Rajan oversaw a team based in Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New Delhi and Mumbai. According to CNN’s website, she is a key member of CNN International Commercial's management team which guides the brand's international commercial strategy.

Her remit was to continue building CNN's business growth trajectory in Asia Pacific. Rajan was also responsible for setting the business strategy to drive advertising revenue for CNN's global portfolio of multi-platform products among Asia Pacific based advertisers. Prior to joining CNN, Rajan was at BBC for more than 16 years, last helming the role of EVP, advertising sales for Asia and ANZ. She also worked at Newscorp for more than four years and Star TV for more than two years.

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