India’s Zee Group taps Eric Sherman to oversee Veria Living

Indian media giant Zee Group has tapped former Viacom executive Eric Sherman as chief executive of Veria Living, its U.S. media unit that focuses on health and wellness content.

Sherman, whose résumé also includes a stint as manager of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, most recently was executive vice president of business development for XIX Entertainment, “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller’s production company.

Zee Group is part of Indian mogul Subhash Chandra’s Essel Group. Zee has a huge footprint in India and claims 750-million viewers in 169 countries. It has been aggressively seeking to expand its presence in the United States.

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While at Viacom, Sherman was general manager of several start-up networks including VH1 Classic. He also was president of Fuse, a music cable channel owned by Madison Square Garden Network.

“Eric’s experience launching and growing television and digital media brands is unquestioned,” said Chandra in announcing the hire.

Veria Living’s assets include a specialty cable channel that features programming about Eastern wellness practices. Its shows include “Got Zen?” and “BollyBlast.”

“Eating and living well have been a lifelong passion, and I look forward to working with Veria to help our growing audience do the same,” Sherman said.

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