Edstead, a leading research-driven documentary studio renowned for its impactful storytelling, has announced the appointment of Charu Budhiraja as its Chief Business Officer. With decades of expertise in branded content, creative leadership, and strategic partnerships, Charu is set to play a pivotal role in driving Edstead’s business growth and expanding its influence in the media landscape.

In her new role, Charu will lead Edstead’s business strategy, forge key brand partnerships, and drive revenue growth. Her focus will be on ensuring that Edstead’s purpose-driven storytelling reaches wider audiences while staying true to its mission of creating narratives that challenge perspectives and ignite meaningful conversations.

Speaking about her appointment, Charu said, “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. I’m excited to build on Edstead’s momentum and help scale its reach while fostering strategic partnerships.”

Charu joins Edstead from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), where she served as Creative Head. During her tenure, she led award-winning content initiatives across genres like travel, lifestyle, history, education, and culture. Her career also includes leadership roles at Discovery, Ogilvy, Creativeland Asia, and JWT.

Over the years, Charu has conceptualized and executed high-impact intellectual properties (IPs), built brand narratives for iconic companies, and spearheaded collaborations that bridge storytelling with business growth. Her ability to integrate traditional techniques with innovative formats makes her an ideal fit for Edstead’s mission-driven approach.

Shekhar Bhattacharjee, Founder of Edstead, expressed his enthusiasm about Charu’s appointment: “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.”

Edstead specializes in research-led documentaries that delve into socially significant topics. Its recent production, The Indian EdTech Story, streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, explores the impact of India’s edtech ecosystem during the COVID-19 pandemic. The studio integrates traditional craftsmanship with contemporary formats to create compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

Charu’s appointment aligns with Edstead’s vision to expand its footprint by collaborating with brands, media platforms, and content creators. Gender fluidity and inclusivity remain central to the studio’s approach as it continues to redefine storytelling.

Charu Budhiraja’s appointment as Chief Business Officer marks a significant milestone for Edstead as it seeks to scale its reach while staying true to its purpose-driven ethos. With her extensive experience and creative leadership, Charu is poised to lead Edstead into a promising future of impactful storytelling.

Key Highlights:

• Edstead appoints Charu Budhiraja as Chief Business Officer to drive business growth and expand reach.
• Charu brings decades of experience from Warner Bros. Discovery and other leading organizations.
• She aims to scale Edstead’s purpose-driven storytelling through strategic partnerships.
• Founder Shekhar Bhattacharjee highlights her ability to bridge creativity with business strategy.