Biography of Partho Dasgupta - Managing Partner at Thoth Advisors  


Partho Dasgupta, born on 26 November 1965 in Ranchi, India, is a prominent media entrepreneur and management professional best known for his role as the founding CEO of BARC India (Broadcast Audience Research Council). Under his leadership, BARC became a cornerstone of India’s media landscape, reshaping how television viewership is measured in the country. Today, he is the Managing Partner at Thoth Advisors, where he continues to offer strategic advice to companies across the media and consumer sectors.

Early Life and Education
Dasgupta’s early education took place at South Point High School in Kolkata. He then pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Jadavpur University before completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM Calcutta). His strong academic background laid the foundation for a successful career in media management.

Career and Achievements
Partho Dasgupta’s career spans leadership roles in some of India’s most influential media organizations, including The Economic Times, Times Now, and Times Multimedia. However, it was his tenure as the founding CEO of BARC India that truly defined his career. Dasgupta played a key role in developing a transparent, technology-driven television audience measurement system, which has since become the gold standard in the industry.

Under his guidance, BARC India built the world’s largest and most representative television viewership panel, integrating advanced technologies such as big data and machine-to-machine (M2M) data collection. His work ensured more accurate, unbiased audience measurement, which has been crucial for advertisers and broadcasters alike.

After his success at BARC, Dasgupta transitioned to advisory roles. As Managing Partner at Thoth Advisors, he advises top executives on business growth, mergers and acquisitions, and technology adoption within the media and consumer sectors.

Recognition and Impact
Dasgupta’s impact on the media industry has been widely recognized. During his time at BARC, the organization earned multiple accolades, including being named one of the “Best Places to Work” in India. He himself has received numerous awards, including:

In addition, he served as President of The Advertising Club of India between 2019 and 2021, further solidifying his leadership in the industry.

Personal Life
Outside of work, Partho Dasgupta is a family man. He is married and has one daughter, who is pursuing a law degree. His wife is a faculty member at the Bombay International School, and his elder sister lives in Kolkata.

A technology and automobile enthusiast, Dasgupta enjoys exploring the latest gadgets and vehicles. He is also a fan of documentaries, particularly those on history, espionage, and counter-insurgency.