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Category: People

  • Iris onboards Dibyendu (Joy) Mishra as the visionary force behind Indian operations

    Iris onboards Dibyendu (Joy) Mishra as the visionary force behind Indian operations

    Mumbai: A new chapter unfolds at Iris, as the agency has roped in Dibyendu (Joy) Mishra as the managing director for the Indian market. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, he brings a wealth of industry expertise to his role at Iris. A respected industry veteran, Joy has been associated with prominent companies such as Google, PubMatic, Cheil Worldwide, Havas Worldwide, and Dentsu. His expansive portfolio encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including sportswear, FMCG, personal care, and automotive.

    As well as overseeing the agency’s client base – ensuring they’re progressive and forward-thinking, Joy will be working with Iris’ global team as part of the network’s move to become more global in the way it innovates and creates for clients. While pushing the horizon for Iris India vision, that focuses on tech-driven creativity to craft a 360-degree consumer journey for the brands. His expertise in managing P&L and business operations will serve as a crucial element for the forward growth of the agency.

    Headquartered in Gurgaon, Iris Indian operations resonate with a team of talented individuals who share a common passion for pushing creative boundaries and generating transformative brand experiences. Hence, he aspires to cultivate it into a magnetic hub, attracting the most exceptional and ambitious talents from around the world. His vision for the agency is tied to the calibre of individuals it houses, fostering an environment where boundless creativity and collaboration thrive.

    Joy’s journey has been marked by prestigious accolades and short listings, including the Cannes Lion Silver and the Abby Gold. These honours underscore his commitment to innovation, creativity, and excellence in the field. His strategic mind set and creative prowess have translated into successful brand marketing campaigns for distinguished clients such as adidas, GSK, Bata, McDonald’s, Honda, ITC, Reckitt Benckiser, Panasonic, Honda, Goibibo, Shell, Samsung, and many more, demonstrating his versatility and impact within the advertising realm.

    Iris global CEO and chair Ian Millner said, “Iris’ global realignment means deploying the best leaders in each region to amplify growth around the network, and in turn, activate that advantage for clients. With Joy we really do have the best of the best. Decades of experience with some of the biggest agencies in the world, combined with his passion for driving limitless creativity opens a real opportunity for our clients in India to get their work on the global stage.” 

    In his own words, Joy expressed his gratitude, saying, “I envision a dynamic business world where innovation and transformative strategies are the driving forces behind continuous growth. My mission is to empower organizations and clients to embrace change, foster collaboration, and champion visionary approaches that lead to sustainable success. Together, we’ll create a future marked by empowered teams, innovative solutions, and a legacy of achievement.”

  • Uday Kotak steps down as MD, CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank

    Uday Kotak steps down as MD, CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank

    Mumbai: Uday Kotak has stepped down from the position of managing director (MD) & chief executive officer (CEO) of Kotak Mahindra Bank effective 1 September, the bank mentioned in a BSE filing on Saturday.

    His resignation was accepted at a board meeting held by the bank on Saturday. Uday Kotak is now a non-executive director of the bank.

    In the interim, the joint managing director, Dipak Gupta, will carry out the duties of the MD and CEO until 31 December, subject to the approval of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the members of the bank.

    Uday Kotak is the founder and promoter of the bank and has been the MD and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (earlier known as Kotak Mahindra Finance Limited) since 1 August 2002. He has played a significant role in the institution’s growth over the past 38 years. 

  • Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd. appoints Tarun Sharma as the president of marketing & branding

    Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd. appoints Tarun Sharma as the president of marketing & branding

    Mumbai: Wardwizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd., one of India’s leading manufacturers of electric vehicles under the brand ‘Joy e-bike,’ has announced the appointment of Tarun Sharma as the president of marketing and branding. With an illustrious career as a marketing veteran, Tarun will spearhead the organisation’s strategic market planning and adopt an all-encompassing approach towards achieving unmatched effectiveness in marketing endeavours.

    With over 20 years of rich and diverse experience in sales and marketing, Tarun Sharma is a seasoned leader in deploying digital, B2B marketing, sales and customer experience for large telecom and technology firms. He held the position of head of strategic marketing for enterprise business (B2B) at Vodafone Idea Limited, where he played a pivotal role in establishing Vi Business as a preferred partner through strategic marketing programs. His expertise includes strategic marketing, product marketing and customer acquisition, corporate sales, fostering strong B2C & B2B engagement programs, nurturing relationships with CXOs and Tech Analysts, and formulating thought papers and blogs based on industry research. Prior to this, he has also worked with Telecom giants such as Reliance Communications, and Bharti Airtel Limited.  

    Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd chairman and managing director Yatin Gupte said, “We are honoured to welcome Mr. Tarun Sharma to the Wardwizard family. His extensive experience, predominantly in sales and marketing, perfectly aligns with our company’s values and vision. As a valuable addition to our leadership team, Tarun will play a crucial role in strategically driving our growth plans. We look forward to elevating the customer experience and providing unparalleled value to our partners with their valuable contributions. With Tarun’s expertise, we are confident in furthering our mission to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry and create a cleaner and greener future.”

    Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd president of marketing & branding Tarun Sharma,,. said, “It is a great privilege for me to become a part of Wardwizard, a pioneering home-grown electric vehicle manufacturer. This role certainly awaits a lot of opportunities and responsibilities to contribute to the remarkable growth journey of the company. I am looking forward to this journey of elevating the brand to new heights with a team of talented individuals. The EV industry holds significant potential and we are in the right direction to leverage this potential to solidify our market presence, enhance customer experience and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of sustainable mobility solutions. I am excited to initiate a new journey contributing to the larger vision of making India and electric vehicle nation by the year 2030.”

    Tarun Sharma is an IIM Lucknow alumnus, holding several other certifications to his credit along with having diverse experience in various fields. His valuable expertise is poised to drive sales and marketing initiatives, contributing to the company’s growth and success in the electric vehicle industry.

     

  • Zoo Media appoints Satya Koniki as head of global delivery

    Zoo Media appoints Satya Koniki as head of global delivery

    Mumbai: Zoo Media, India’s largest independent digital agency network, is pleased to announce the appointment of Satya Koniki as the head of global delivery. Satya will be responsible for establishing global delivery centres (GDCs) that will leverage India’s finest talent and offshoring capabilities to serve independent agencies worldwide.

    Satya Koniki is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of multi-faceted industry experience and expertise in global operations. Previously, he held key positions in global companies such as HCL, Wunderman, and Hogarth in India and e-commerce startups like Chegg and A1Books in the USA. His efficiency in offshoring, fostering robust agency partnerships, managing high-profile clients, and navigating the complexities of digital marketing will add tangible business value to the Zoo Media team.

    Satya commented on his new role, “Setting up global delivery hubs is about identifying talent, building teams at scale, tailoring processes and adapting to changing market dynamics to deliver client solutions – with Zoo Media, most of these are covered, so I am excited to push forward”.

    Satya’s responsibilities will encompass various regions within the Zoo Media Network, with a critical focus on Zoo global delivery. The network already has a team based in the US aiming to centralise offshore services.

    Satya’s role involves overseeing seamless operations worldwide, beginning with  Indian centres and later expanding to different regions.  He is adept at creating customised delivery centres to meet client needs and requirements, “It’s about fostering flexibility and preparedness, ensuring that business operations can thrive regardless of external challenges, thereby delivering valuable services to clients,” he added.

    Satya will work closely with cross-functional teams across sales, HR, finance, and client servicing. He will be reporting directly to Zoo Media co-founder Suveer Bajaj.

    “Our Global Delivery Centres (GDCs) aim to create value for independent agencies worldwide by providing high-quality output through resource augmentation. Considering Satya’s expertise in building offshore centres of excellence, we look forward to him strengthening Zoo Media’s global positioning as a reliable partner,” said Zoo Media co-founder Suveer Bajaj.

    Satya’s previous work includes successfully establishing Microsoft ad-support centres in Costa Rica in 2022 and four WPP Hubs globally within a year for team Nokia in 2010. Before moving to India, he was instrumental in setting up the critical rental publisher infrastructure for Chegg Inc. He also played a pivotal role in establishing a pioneering independent book marketplace in 2004.

  • Prathyusha Agarwal calls it a day at Byju’s

    Prathyusha Agarwal calls it a day at Byju’s

    Mumbai: As per media reports, Prathyusha Agarwal has quit as Byju’s chief business officer. She, along with two other senior executives, have put in their papers at the edtech company.

    Agarwal joined Byju’s as chief business officer in March 2022 – her role was to lead its Early Learn Business Vertical.

    Before coming to Byju’s, she was at ZEE, where she was chief consumer and data officer and was responsible for leading business transformation initiatives across TV and OTT verticals.

    In July, news was in that Rajnish Kumar and TV Mohandas Pai will be joining Byju’s newly established Advisory Council. Word was also around that UpGrad CEO Arjun Mohan has been roped in to handle the international business.

  • Ashwin Sheth Group appoints Bhavik Bhandari as CSMO

    Ashwin Sheth Group appoints Bhavik Bhandari as CSMO

    Mumbai: In a strategic move aimed at advancing its growth trajectory, Ashwin Sheth Group a leading real estate company proudly introduces Bhavik Bhandari as the newly appointed chief sales and marketing officer (CSMO).

    With a proven track record as a mentor and a leader, real estate enthusiast, and advocate for design-driven residential enhancements, Bhandari is set to spearhead the sales and marketing division. His wealth of experience encompasses several esteemed real estate firms, including Raheja Universal, Kanakia Spaces, Radius Developers, Kalpataru Limited, and Puravankara. Over his distinguished career trajectory of over 2 decades, he has demonstrated remarkable proficiency in sales, marketing, customer relationship management, operations, business development, and strategic planning.

    Commenting on the appointment, Ashwin Sheth Group chairman and MD Ashwin Sheth said “We are pleased to welcome Bhavik Bhandari to our team. His impressive track record in demanding positions is a great fit for our senior leadership team. His knowledge and extensive experience in sales, marketing, CRM and strategy, will greatly benefit our organization in achieving our growth objectives. Our goal is to expand and strengthen Ashwin Sheth Group’s presence, thereby further strengthening our brand value.”

    On joining Ashwin Sheth Group, Ashwin Sheth Group chief sales and marketing officer (CSMO) Bhavik Bhandari said “I am delighted to be a part of the Ashwin Sheth Group, a prestigious and established name in the real estate industry.   I am looking forward to assist the organization with thoughtful and creative marketing campaigns, developing better consumer relations and spearhead communications in helping the group reach new heights. With my prior experience in the sector, I am looking forward to being a catalyst to the hyper growth and expansion strategy on the horizon for Ashwin Sheth Group.”

    Adding on to the appointment, Ashwin Sheth Group chief human resources officer (CHRO) Prabhakar Azad said “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Bhavik Bhandari to our senior management team. His addition will further strengthen our leadership team to fulfil our aggressive growth & expansion plans. In the recent past, we have hired exceptional professionals at CXO levels to give a boost to our professional work culture”.

  • Abhijit Sethi appointed as Howden India’s COO

    Abhijit Sethi appointed as Howden India’s COO

    Mumbai: Howden, the global insurance intermediary, has appointed Abhijit Sethi as the chief operating officer of its India operations. In his new capacity, Sethi will lead strategic efforts, overseeing nationwide placements, streamlining business operations, enhancing processes, and nurturing insurer relationships to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

    Abhijit brings to the role his renowned dynamic leadership and strategic acumen, built over nearly two decades. Prior to joining Howden India, he played pivotal roles in crafting go-to-market strategies and structuring intricate placement programs at esteemed firms like Aon, Marsh Insurance Brokers, and Prudent Insurance Brokers.

    With its trading license granted in 2004, Howden India now employs over 300 professionals across offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and Hyderabad. As the sixth-largest broker in the country, it has established a strong reputation as a specialist commercial insurance broker, focusing on key areas like liability & specialty, agriculture, health & benefits, aviation, property & construction, and reinsurance. In 2022, Howden obtained approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to increase its stake in Howden India to 100 per cent, underscoring the company’s dedication to cultivating a leading broking business in the nation. This commitment revolves around fostering enduring client partnerships, investing in talent, and advancing data and technology.

  • FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX India appoints Bhamini Painter as senior vice president of Human Resources

    FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX India appoints Bhamini Painter as senior vice president of Human Resources

    Mumbai: FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX India have welcomed Bhamini Painter, a seasoned Human Resources executive, as the newest addition to their leadership team. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years, Painter brings a wealth of expertise in HR strategy, organisational development, and fostering a dynamic work environment. Before joining FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX, Painter played a pivotal role in shaping the HR landscape at Madison and Wizcraft, where she established and optimised HR functions. With notable tenures at renowned organisations such as Godrej Upstream, DNA, and Jobstreet, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to create harmonious workplaces and align strategies to meet evolving business and employee needs.

    On joining FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX India, Painter expressed, “I am so very excited to join FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX India and look forward to partnering with the leadership team to scale new heights and strengthen the already amazing people culture that FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX have.”

    Speaking on the appointment, FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “We are delighted to have Bhamini joining us. The HR function is one of the most critical functions of an agency, and as FCB Kinnect and FCB/Six continue to expand their footprint in the industry, Bhamini will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organisations. Her vast expertise and commitment to building a strong people culture align seamlessly with FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX’s core values and goals, and together, I’m very confident of building a standout people organisation.”

  • Mary George Parayil appointed as principal – Kantar Analytics India

    Mary George Parayil appointed as principal – Kantar Analytics India

    Mumbai: Kantar, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics company, has appointed Mary George Parayil as principal – Kantar Analytics India. Parayil has been a part of Kantar Analytics for the last 10 years, having managed global engagements as part of the global analytics hub in Bengaluru before taking on the responsibility of the Indian market. Parayil’s expanded responsibilities confirm the company’s continued growth trajectory in the market.

    Recent additions to the analytics portfolio include UMMO (Unified Marketing Measurement & Optimization), a cookie-less unified measurement solution that provides highly scalable, AI-powered, unified measurement of online and offline media, and Digital Mirror, an NLP-based digital analytics solution that decodes digital footprints using AI, helping brands to understand people more holistically – from unknown personality traits to emerging trends and detailed media consumption habits.

    Kantar executive managing director South Asia – insights division Deepender Rana commented, “Our clients already use the power and precision of Kantar’s analytics solutions to answer critical business questions. Clients use our pricing analytics offer to enhance profitability and combat inflation. CrossMedia helps allocate campaign budgets across media for optimal brand outcomes. Our AI-infused solutions are a natural evolution of our offer. Link AI is helping our clients test hundreds of creative assets, including digital ones, cost-efficiently in a matter of hours. UMMO uses AI for real-time advice on media allocation to optimise short- and long-term sales. Advanced technology capability is core to Kantar’s differentiation, and we will continue to invest in this area, helping businesses grow with speed and profitability.”

    Kantar MD & chief client officer South Asia – insights division Soumya Mohanty said, “Kantar in India is the leader in brand measurement, and as our client teams work closely with Mary, it will further amplify our ability to provide end to end solutions to modern-day brand problems.”

    In her new role, Parayil will report into Kantar lead – innovation South Asia – insights division Ranjana Gupta and will continue to be based in Bengaluru.

    Kantar Analytics is a global network of over 1,500 data scientists, analytics consultants, technologists, and designers. Kantar’s analytics offer delivers world-class thinking, innovative technology, and solutions to help clients achieve differentiation across the entire marketing journey.

  • P&G India appoints Mukta Maheshwari as its chief marketing officer

    P&G India appoints Mukta Maheshwari as its chief marketing officer

    Mumbai: Procter & Gamble India, maker of brands like Ariel, Whisper, and Gillette, has appointed Mukta Maheshwari as the company’s chief marketing officer (CMO) effective 1 September.

    Along with leading the marketing function, Maheshwari will also head the fabric care category for P&G India. She brings with her a rich work experience of over two decades. She joined P&G in 2007 in Singapore and has since worked across five brands across three different countries. Prior to assuming her new role as the chief marketing officer and fabric care category head, Maheshwari served as the vice president, fabric enhancers in the ASEAN region, based out of Singapore and was instrumental in delivering double digit top and bottom line for Downy in ASEAN. This was enabled by, among multiple other aspects, the launch of Downy Natural Essential oil scents range, which was spearheaded by her.

    Speaking about her new role, Maheshwari said, “I am thrilled to kickstart the next phase of my journey with P&G and coming back to India, after having the opportunity to work across multiple roles in the region, including Singapore and Philippines. P&Gs philosophy of touching and improving lives truly resonates with me, and I am glad that my new role will enable me to continue aspiring to positively impact our consumers, communities, and people. India continues to be an important market for P&G globally, as we continue to delight the consumers with our superior brands. These are exciting times, and I look forward to contributing to the growth of P&G in India, together with our people who are the backbone of this resilient and empowered organization.”

    Maheshwari is an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta and holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology.

    Maheshwari takes over from Sharat Verma in the role, who has been elevated as the senior vice president – fabric care for P&G India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA) and will spearhead the efforts based out of Dubai. Under Sharat’s leadership over the last four years, P&G has stepped up on its brand building efforts, leading many innovative solutions and campaigns that are not just a force for growth, but also a force for good. This is reflected not just in the growth of the brands, but also multiple external recognition – national and global – that the brands have garnered over the years on iconic initiatives like Ariel #ShareTheLoad, Whisper #KeepGirlsInSchool, etc.

    Sharing his perspective, Verma said “It has been my privilege and an absolute honor to serve as the CMO for P&G India. The journey has been rewarding and one filled with immense learnings. From every campaign that captured hearts, to each innovation that reshaped industries, our commitment to delivering exceptional results stands as a testament to our unwavering pursuit of excellence. Together, we raised the bar on consumer centricity and brand building and reinforced our brands as both – a #ForceForGrowth and a #ForceforGood. As I extend a warm welcome to Mukta, I am confident that our legacy will continue to thrive, inspiring new heights of creativity, impact, and success. I am only optimistic about what the future holds.”