People · Consumer Internet & Media

Pocket FM appoints ex-Bank of America exec Abhilash Padival as CFO

What they do

Pocket FM is an audio series platform offering content across multiple languages and genres

The company appointed Abhilash Padival as its new CFO in July 2026, succeeding Anurag Sharma

Padival brings experience in investment banking and has advised Indian startups on fundraising and M&A

Pocket FM has appointed Abhilash Padival as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in July 2026.
Padival will lead the company’s global finance organisation, overseeing financial strategy, capital allocation, and investor relations.
He succeeds Anurag Sharma, who stepped down in May 2026 after nearly five years at Pocket FM.
Padival joins Pocket FM from Bank of America, where he spent over seven years in the consumer internet investment banking practice.
He previously worked at Quess Corp, Altisource, Avendus Capital, and Cyient in roles related to corporate strategy, investments, and M&A.
Rohan Nayak, CEO of Pocket FM, said the appointment strengthens the finance team as the company prepares for global expansion.
Padival expressed excitement about joining Pocket FM and supporting its growth in innovation and global scale.

The appointment reflects Pocket FM’s focus on strengthening its finance organisation during a phase of global expansion.
Padival’s background in investment banking and M&A is expected to support the company’s financial strategy and fundraising efforts.
The company has raised $196 Mn to date and was last valued at $750 Mn in 2024.

Pocket FM is an audio series platform offering content across multiple languages and genres.
It provides binge-worthy fiction, immersive audio, and nonstop entertainment through audio dramas.
The platform has popular titles such as 'Super Yoddha,' 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha to Drama,' and 'The Return of Tiger.'
It claims to have crossed $400 Mn in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in March 2026.
The company is free cash flow positive with nearly 5% EBITDA, though the period is unspecified.
In FY25, Pocket FM’s top line grew 68% to ₹1,768 Cr from ₹1,052 Cr in the previous fiscal.
It competes with Kuku FM and Amazon’s Audible in the audio entertainment space.

Lightspeed (investor) — Venture capital firm that has backed Pocket FM.
Stepstone Group (investor) — Investment firm that has supported Pocket FM’s growth.
Tencent (investor) — Chinese tech giant with investments in Indian startups.
Times Internet (investor) — Media and technology company that has invested in Pocket FM.