Seasoned IT leader to drive digital transformation, governance and strategic tech initiatives at one of India’s largest media groups
Dainik Bhaskar Group, one of India’s most widely circulated newspaper and media conglomerates, has appointed Rakesh Khetan as Chief Information Officer (CIO), marking a strategic step in strengthening the organisation’s technology leadership and digital transformation agenda.
Khetan assumed the CIO role effective 15 January 2026, after the board of DB Corp Limited the publishing arm of Dainik Bhaskar approved his appointment in the senior management cadre. He succeeds Amit Prakashrao Waghmare, who resigned at the end of January.
With more than 21 years of experience in information technology, digital transformation, IT governance and cybersecurity, Khetan brings deep expertise in steering enterprise-scale technology strategies. His portfolio spans ERP implementations, cloud migration, cybersecurity frameworks, digital platform development, automation, analytics and IT risk management. He has also worked closely with senior leadership teams to drive business continuity and compliance frameworks that underpin secure, resilient IT operations.
Khetan holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Computer Science, an MBA, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA), and professional certifications including ITIL 4, SIAM Professional, and Oracle Certified Professional.
In his new role at Dainik Bhaskar, Khetan will lead the company’s technology vision, aligning IT strategy with business growth and audience engagement imperatives in an increasingly digital media landscape. His mandate includes strengthening cybersecurity posture, scaling cloud-based platforms, enhancing digital publishing ecosystems, and harnessing analytics to personalise and broaden reader experience across print and digital channels.
Industry observers note that as traditional media continues its digital shift, strong CIO leadership will be crucial for media organisations striving to innovate content distribution, customer data systems and omnichannel delivery. Khetan’s appointment signals Dainik Bhaskar’s commitment to deepening digital capabilities while safeguarding operational resilience.
As CIO, Khetan is expected to play a key role in shaping the group’s technology roadmap and driving enterprise-wide transformation that supports long-term growth and sustainable competitive differentiation.