Pocket FM has elevated longtime executive Lalit Gangwar to Chief Operating Officer as the audio entertainment platform sharpens its global expansion strategy. In his expanded mandate, Gangwar will oversee all international operations, spanning growth, monetisation, market execution, and operational efficiency across key regions.
A founding team member, Gangwar has been instrumental in shaping Pocket FM’s early product-market fit and operating playbook. As COO, he is expected to scale the platform’s presence in priority markets, strengthen cross-border processes, and build teams and systems geared for sustainable growth.
Track record across India and the United States
In India, Gangwar helped craft the company’s initial growth strategy, rapidly scaling the user base to more than 150 million in its first year—positioning Pocket FM as a leading player in the audio storytelling category. He later moved to the United States as Country Head, where he led the business from inception to an annual revenue run rate exceeding $25 million.
Before joining Pocket FM, Gangwar held growth and operations roles at Healthkart, Zomato, and Dineout, bringing experience in consumer internet scale-up, marketplace dynamics, and performance-led execution.
Creator ecosystem, AI-led localisation, and global scale
Pocket FM describes itself as an AI-first entertainment company and reports more than 250 million listeners globally, with over 2.2 billion minutes of monthly listening. The company says its parent entity recorded strong financial traction in FY25, supported by international growth and improved monetisation.
The platform has cultivated a large creator network, with more than 300,000 writers contributing over 100,000 audio series. According to the company, a growing cohort of creators now earns upwards of ₹1 lakh per month, aided by structured creator programs and performance-linked incentives.
Pocket FM is also deploying AI tools to accelerate writing, production, and post‑production workflows. Its localisation stack focuses on translation and cultural adaptation to carry Indian narratives to global audiences, a priority as the company deepens its presence in markets outside India.
Separately, Rahul Nag, who led brand and communications, has stepped down after four years with the company.
