Pradeep Gairola has joined MeritNation.com, run by Applect Learning Systems, a Naukri.com Group venture, as Chief Operating Officer. He moves from Times Internet Ltd where he spent three and a half years as Vice-President.

Prior to joining Times Internet, Gairola was with Ananda Bazaar Patrika Group (ABP), where he was Associate Vice-President for the West and South regions and spent close to four years. Based in Mumbai, he was responsible for generating revenues for Ananda Bazaar Patrika and The Telegraph newspapers.

Gairola had joined ABP Group from Mid-Day where he was General Manager handling advertising sales for the online properties of the group. In his 21-year career, Gairola entered the media industry with The Times of India Group and stayed there for more than seven years.