Koreel Lahiri, Program Director for South Asia at MDIF, has more than 15 years of experience in media investing, strategy and editorial. Lahiri has served in senior investment, strategy, and operational roles in various large Indian media organizations. Most recently, Lahiri focused on developing a robust eco-system for independent media, as Chief Operating Officer of IPS Media Foundation, a funding and advisory organization anchored by prominent Indian philanthropists. There, he managed a $20-million investment fund targeting the next generation of digital news companies. Previously, Lahiri served as General Manager of Bennett, Coleman & Co. (Times Group), a strategic corporate venture capital unit exploring new areas of growth via strategic investments, leading business development, deal acquisition, negotiations and portfolio management. He has also held editorial roles with Bloomberg TV India and CNBC-TV18, and advised several digital companies on strategy, product development and fundraising. Koreel holds an MBA in finance and strategy from Indian School of Business in Hyderabad.