Hemant has been associated with Lokmat Media Pvt. Ltd. since 2016 as Sr.EVP & Head of digital business. At Lokmat, Hemant spearheads digital transformation and setting up newer businesses for the group in the online news, entertainment, original content & branded solutions space. In a very short span of time, he has been instrumental in building and scaling the digital footprint for the group, making it a leading local language player in the digital news and entertainment space in India.

Hemant is an entrepreneurial leader with over 2 decades of experience in digital media and technology, delivering step function growth for leading companies in the Online News, Mobile Entertainment, FM Radio, Telecom Retail, & Digital Agency space.

Hemant’s professional journey in digital media industry began in 1996, with the launch of indianexpress.com. During the period 1997-2001, he set up digital media divisions for some of the leading advertising agencies in India - TBWA, Euro RSCG & Mudra Communications. In 2002 he joined Reliance Webstores as part of the founding team, responsible for brand & consumer marketing, launched 241 broadband cafes across 105 cities in India. Hemant spearheaded the India business for Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. for 6.5 years (2008-2014), responsible for leading Hungama’s growth as a dominant in the mobile entertainment space. Before joining Lokmat, in his role as an entrepreneur, Hemant launched ‘Happitoo’, India’s 1st nightlife planning app and managed his startup for 2 years (2014-2016)

Hemant leverages his deep understanding of digital technologies & consumer insights, expertise in multi-format content (creation & aggregation), multi-platform distribution, audience building & monetisation in digital age to scale businesses within a competitive framework. He is a student for life, fostering a winning attitude and  leading as a “Player-Coach”  

He is recognized as one of India's “100 Smartest Digital Marketing Leaders” for 2 consecutive years (2019 & 2020) by the World Digital Marketing Congress & endorsed by CMO Asia.