Media24 has confirmed the permanent appointment of Mergan Velayudan as chief technology and AI officer. His appointment follows a period as interim CIO that began in July 2025.
Mergan brings more than 20 years of experience in the technology sector with a strong track record in the media production environment. He previously served as the executive head of emerging technologies at MultiChoice Group, where he spent more than a decade.
In that role he led the development and execution of group level strategies for the adoption and management of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cloud and robotic process automation.
He has extensive experience in leading large technology teams and in aligning technology delivery with business requirements. His career reflects a consistent focus on the integration of advanced technologies within complex organisational environments.
Mergan has invested in continued professional development with completed programmes on the business implications of AI and AI strategy through MIT and the UC Berkeley School of Information.
He holds a master of arts in philosophy from the University of Pretoria with a focus on the ethics of artificial intelligence. He also holds a bachelor of science in electronic engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
