Kunal Khambhati has been brought on board by Zomato to boost its live events division as the company continues to build its presence in the entertainment and event management sector. Previously serving as the head of live events and Intellectual Property (IP) at BookMyShow, Kunal played a pivotal role in launching high-profile events such as Lollapalooza in India. With over two decades of experience in the field, including time at Percept, his expertise aligns with Zomato’s ambitious plans for its “Going Out” app, District.
Zomato’s new app, District, aims to integrate dining reservations, concert tickets, staycations, and holiday bookings, creating a comprehensive platform for consumers. This move represents the company’s strategic push beyond food delivery into the entertainment sector. The acquisition of Paytm’s movie, sports, and live events ticketing business earlier this year also strengthens Zomato’s position in this market, making it the second-largest player in the entertainment booking space.
Kunal Khambati’s addition follows the hiring of Zeenah Vilvassim, a key figure in the NH7 Weekender festival, and the return of seasoned Zomato executives Rahul Ganjoo and Pradyot Ghate. Together, they will work on shaping District’s launch and positioning Zomato as a significant player in the live events and entertainment space.
Zomato’s expansion into live events marks a bold new direction for the company, leveraging its existing expertise in tech and consumer services. The introduction of District adds to Zomato’s portfolio, complementing its core food delivery service and Blinkit, its grocery delivery app.