LALIT GANGWAR ELEVATED TO COO AS POCKET FM STRENGTHENS GLOBAL AUDIO AMBITIONS

Lalit Gangwar, a founding member of Pocket FM, has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s global audio business operations, signalling a strategic push to scale internationally and deepen its presence in the rapidly evolving audio entertainment market.

In a move that underscores its growing ambitions in the global audio entertainment space, Pocket FM has appointed Lalit Gangwar as its Chief Operating Officer. A founding member of the company, Gangwar steps into the expanded role at a time when the platform is accelerating its efforts to scale internationally and consolidate its foothold in a highly competitive market.

Gangwar’s elevation reflects both continuity and confidence within the organisation. Having been instrumental in shaping the company’s early trajectory, he brings with him a deep understanding of its product, audience, and business model. His appointment signals a commitment to leveraging that institutional knowledge as the company navigates the next phase of growth.

As COO, Gangwar will lead all global business operations for Pocket FM’s audio vertical, a core segment that has seen significant traction in recent years. The platform, known for its expansive library of audio series spanning genres such as romance, thriller, and self-development, has tapped into a growing appetite for on-demand storytelling, particularly among younger, mobile-first audiences.

The audio entertainment landscape has undergone a notable transformation, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, affordable data, and a shift towards multitasking-friendly content formats. In this context, Pocket FM has emerged as a key player by blending long-form storytelling with episodic engagement strategies, creating a model that encourages sustained listener retention.

Gangwar’s leadership is expected to play a critical role in refining and scaling this model across global markets. With expansion already underway in regions beyond India, including North America, the company is focusing on localised content strategies, creator partnerships, and monetisation frameworks tailored to diverse audiences.

Industry observers note that the role of COO in a rapidly scaling digital platform is pivotal, particularly in balancing operational efficiency with creative innovation. Gangwar’s remit is likely to encompass not only revenue growth and market expansion but also the optimisation of content pipelines, technology infrastructure, and user experience.

His journey within Pocket FM mirrors the broader evolution of India’s startup ecosystem, where founding team members often transition into strategic leadership roles as companies mature. This continuity can provide stability during periods of rapid change, ensuring that growth remains aligned with the company’s original vision.

The appointment also comes amid intensifying competition in the audio space, with global players and regional platforms vying for listener attention. Differentiation through original content, immersive formats, and data-driven personalisation has become increasingly important, areas where Pocket FM has already demonstrated considerable strength.

For Pocket FM, the elevation of Lalit Gangwar is more than a leadership change; it is a strategic signal of intent. As the company continues to expand its global footprint, the focus will be on scaling sustainably while maintaining the narrative depth and engagement that have defined its success so far.