Mumbai: Edstead, a research-driven documentary studio known for its impactful storytelling, has appointed Charu Budhiraja as its Chief Business Officer. With decades of expertise in branded content, content innovation, and strategic partnerships, Charu will spearhead the company’s business growth while strengthening its presence in the media landscape.
In her new role, Charu will be responsible for driving business strategy, revenue growth, and brand partnerships, ensuring Edstead’s purpose-driven narratives reach a wider audience. With extensive experience in creative leadership, she aims to expand the studio’s influence by collaborating with brands, media platforms, and content creators to deliver compelling, research-backed stories.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Charu Budhiraja stated, “Edstead stands for storytelling with purpose—stories that challenge perspectives, ignite conversations, and create real impact. In today’s media landscape, authenticity and depth matter more than ever, and Edstead has built a strong foundation in this space. I’m excited to build on that momentum, foster strategic partnerships, and help scale Edstead’s reach while staying true to its mission.”
Welcoming Charu to the leadership team, Shekhar Bhattacharjee, Founder of Edstead, said, “Edstead is driven by the belief that powerful stories can inspire change. Charu’s expertise in branded content and content strategy will be instrumental in amplifying our impact and expanding our reach. Her ability to bridge creativity with business strategy makes her the perfect partner as we take Edstead into its next phase of growth.”
Charu joins Edstead from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), where she served as Creative Head, leading award-winning content initiatives across travel, lifestyle, history, education, and culture. Over her career, she has conceptualized high-impact intellectual properties (IPs), built brand narratives for some of India’s most well-known companies, and driven strategic collaborations that integrate storytelling with business growth. She has also held leadership roles at Discovery, Ogilvy, Creativeland Asia, and JWT, working at the intersection of media, marketing, and content creation.