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Category: People

  • Criteo appoints Manuela Montagnana as chief people officer

    Criteo appoints Manuela Montagnana as chief people officer

    Mumbai: Global technology company Criteo on Thursday announced the appointment of Manuela Montagnana as chief people officer. In this role, Montagnana will lead the company’s people team, driving talent strategy and playing a key role in defining the future of work for Criteo’s global workforce of more than 2,500 employees. Montagnana replaces Denis Collin, who held the role for three years and will assist in the transition.

    In her new roleat Criteo, Montagnana will be responsible for leading the people team, ensuring equitable, transparent and inclusive processes and practices to support an engaged and high-performing team. In addition, she will drive the strategy and execution of attracting, engaging, developing and retaining top talent by ensuring that Criteo remains an employer of choice, now and in the future, said the company in a statement. 

    She will be based in New York with global remit and will report to Criteo CEO Megan Clarken with plans to relocate to Paris, it added. 

    Montagnana brings more than 20 years of experience as a people executive, leading global teams in the manufacturing, service and technology industries. She has a proven track record of accelerating performance through human capital management in a transformation context in both highly matrixed organisations and those undergoing hyper-growth. 
    “In the last year, the workplace as we have known it has undergone massive change and I’m thrilled to have Manuela join Criteo to help provide a flexible, hybrid workplace that cultivates a culture of inclusivity, innovation and collaboration,” said Clarken. “She will be a crucial part of our leadership team as we continue to invest in our most valuable asset, our people, in order to power the world’s marketers and media owners with trusted and impactful advertising.”

    Most recently, Montagnana was with Compass as vice president, head of human resources for product and engineering division, where she was the business partner to the chief technology and chief product officers. While at Compass, she led major transformational projects including the opening of a new development center in India and completing the talent integration following the M&A of two tech startups.

    “What attracted me to Criteo was its people-centric culture, strong company values, global footprint and powerful mission,” said Montagnana. “It’s an exciting time to join the company in a year of growth momentum, and I look forward to optimizing the people program to create an engaged and productive employee experience that attracts top talent and nurtures development in today’s hybrid work environment.”

  • BPCL onboards Arun Kumar Singh as new CMD

    BPCL onboards Arun Kumar Singh as new CMD

    Mumbai: Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) has brought on board Arun Kumar Singh as chairman and managing director (CMD) of the company.

    The state-run oil refining and marketing company also appointed Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta as new director for finance.

    BPCL has been without a full-time CMD after the previous incumbent superannuated on August 31 last year.

    The role of director finance has been vacant since 1 August after the N Vijayagopal, stepped down from the position on 31 July, upon superannuation.

    A mechanical engineer by qualification, Singh was earlier director of marketing on the board of the company, holding additional charge of director (refineries) and director (finance). In his more than 36 years of experience in the oil & gas industry, he has headed business units and entities in BPCL such as retail, LPG, pipelines, supply chain optimization, etc. 

    He also held the position of president (Africa & Australia) in Bharat Petro Resources Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BPCL, engaged in the exploration of oil & gas, largely overseas.

  • Byju’s appoints Vineet Singh as VP, brand & creative strategy

    Byju’s appoints Vineet Singh as VP, brand & creative strategy

    Mumbai: Edtech company Byju’s on Tuesday announced the appointment of Vineet Singh as vice president, brand & creative strategy.

    In his new role, Singh will be responsible to build and enhance the brand’s value proposition across offline and online mediums to cater to a diverse array of audiences across the country, said the company in a statement.

    From market research and insight analysis to defining the brand elements and tone, he will be in charge of creatively increasing brand awareness and strengthening the company’s positioning for market growth and oversee the brand’s creative philosophy, conceptualise and execute powerful narratives for the company, it added.

    “Vineet is a proven and a brilliant creative strategist and we are delighted to have him on board. We are looking forward to his creative and integrated campaigns that will help us establish a deeper connection with our consumers,” said Byju’s, chief people officer, Pravin Prakash.

    Singh commands over 15 years of industry experience. In his most recent role, he was WeWork India group chief marketing officer of Embassy Group. Previously, during his stint at Digitas, he played an instrumental role in shaping marketing and digital strategies for brands like Nestle, JK Tyres, Make my trip, etc. At Google India, he led the media and platform sales for emerging business groups and government agencies. 
    Having worked with clients from various verticals including education, e-commerce, travel, auto, and government, he also had the opportunity to work on automation-related projects and developed expertise in display advertising in the Indian market.

    Talking about his new role, Singh said, “I am excited to begin my journey with a brand and team which is passionate about bringing about a change in the lives of millions of students. Byju’s strategic growth and expansion plans have made the brand a household name across the globe and I am looking forward to bringing in my creative ideas to enhance and deliver the best learning experience.”

  • KFin Technologies appoints Kiran Aidhi as chief people officer

    KFin Technologies appoints Kiran Aidhi as chief people officer

    Mumbai: KFin Technologies has announced the appointment of Kiran Aidhi as chief people officer (CPO), effective September. As the CPO, she will look at all human resources and talent management aspects of KFin, said the company.

    Aidhi comes with a proven track record of 25 years of working in a complex high-tech environment where she has led the human resources strategy and execution. In the past she has been associated with firms like Accenture, Convergys, Hutchison 3 Global Services (now known as Tech Mahindra Business Services), Ugam Solutions. She has wide experience in IT/IT-enabled services, business process outsourcing, and knowledge process outsourcing.

    Commenting on the appointment, KFin Technologies, director & CEO, Sreekanth Nadella said, “With 25 years of experience of leading talent strategy at technology firms, Kiran has the right expertise to help KFin adopt and integrate the best-in-class human resources practices. Her experience is the correct fit for a firm like ours which is looking to expand and offer its innovative technology models.”

    Aidhi graduated from Hindu College, Delhi University and later completed post-graduate diploma in management, specialising in HR and marketing from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management, New Delhi.

    Commenting on starting a new journey, she said, “KFin has fast-paced growth plans and I look forward to supporting the growth through the company’s human resource strategy, which focuses on the comprehensive culture of learning, growth, innovation, and wellness.”

  • Wadhwani Foundation names Sanjay Shah as COO, India & SE Asia

    Wadhwani Foundation names Sanjay Shah as COO, India & SE Asia

    Mumbai: Wadhwani Foundation has announced the appointment of Sanjay Shah as chief operating officer (COO) for India and SE Asia.

    Shah has over three decades of experience in founding and steering software product companies to the global market. His last stint was with iManage as managing director for Asia responsible for business development of its solutions in Asia. He founded Zapty, Instavans Logistics, Skelta, Everest Software and Accel Computers, some of which were successfully acquired.

    With MS in computer science from Virginia Tech and a B Tech in aeronautical engineering from IIT, Bombay, Shah sits on the board of Sasken Technologies and Instavans Logistics as independent director, and on the advisory board of Avo Automation.

    “My experience in building multiple technology startups, working with entrepreneurs and helping businesses to scale using technology has inspired me to embrace the mission of Wadhwani Foundation,” said Shah on his new role.

    Wadhwani Foundation was founded in 2003 by Dr Romesh Wadhwani, with the primary mission of accelerating job creation in India and other emerging economies through large-scale initiatives in entrepreneurship, small business growth, innovation, and skilling. It operates in 20 countries.

  • L’oréal India appoints Gaurav Anand as chief digital & marketing officer

    L’oréal India appoints Gaurav Anand as chief digital & marketing officer

    Mumbai: L’Oréal India announced the appointment of Gaurav Anand as its chief digital & marketing officer (CDMO) on Monday.  This newly created role brings together the digital and marketing efforts of the company to focus on the consumer journey.  

    Anand will be a part of the India management committee and will lead and integrate the consumer insights, data, strategy, media and consumer advisory functions to enable L’Oréal’s digital-first brands to deliver accelerated growth on online platforms.

    Commenting on the appointment, L’Oréal India, managing director, Amit Jain said, “The Indian consumer is making a rapid shift towards omnichannel. As a beauty tech company, L’Oréal India is addressing this evolving landscape by deploying new technologies to enhance our products and customer experience for a new O+O world. This new role is our commitment to strengthen the role of digital at the core of our business strategy. With his proven track record of accelerating disruptive business growth, Gaurav is best placed to scale our digital marketing efforts to harnesses new capabilities for the company.”

    Anand joins L’Oréal from PepsiCo Europe where he led the snacks business for central Europe and digitisation of sales strategy for Europe. With his experience across multiple geographies and diverse categories, Anand has built core expertise in business strategy & development, customer acquisition, motivating millennials, growing brands with digital & data

    On his new role, Anand said, “As a marketer, it’s been interesting to watch what L’Oréal has done for the Indian beauty market in the last 27 years, bringing many first-to-market innovations and products. Future possibilities lie in collaboration and I am looking forward to working with our industry partners to chalk out a strong consumer and data-focused growth story for L’Oréal.”

  • Dentsu International appoints Rohit Suri as chief HR officer for South Asia

    Dentsu International appoints Rohit Suri as chief HR officer for South Asia

    Mumbai: Dentsu International has announced the appointment of Rohit Suri to the role of chief HR officer (CHRO), South Asia, effective 15 September 2021. The appointment is key to the dentsu India 2.0 transformation agenda which is designed to unlock higher levels of business performance, innovation, and solution-led strategies for its people and clients, said the agency on Monday.

    Based in Mumbai, Suri will build a high-performance team in India and Sri Lanka, establishing new skills and talent initiatives while shaping a people-oriented, value-led culture. His core focus will be to drive the India 2.0 transformation journey. According to the company, he will accentuate the leadership agenda and talent pipeline, pivotal in futureproofing the long-term competitiveness of the business.

    Suri will report to dentsu Asia Pacific (APAC) CEO and dentsu India, chairman Ashish Bhasin and dentsu APAC, regional HR director, Kinch Ong.

    He carries over 23 years of progressive experience in fast-paced Consumer Internet, Technology, and media companies, and has worked across South Asia, APAC, and Europe. Most recently, he was chief talent officer (CTO) at GroupM South Asia, leading human resources and talent operations in the region.

    Meanwhile, HR Operations Transformation head, South Asia, Sunil Seth will continue to support the business with a tighter focus on HR Operations transformation and the Sri Lanka market, reporting to Rohit, said dentsu in a media statement.

    dentsu APAC CEO and dentsu India chairman Ashish Bhasin said, “This is the beginning of our transformation journey and the dentsu India 2.0 path to success. With Rohit on board, he will be a leading force in our journey in building a new team for South Asia. He will ensure we have a compelling talent acquisition strategy for future talent. This is crucial as the region accelerates in growth and continues on the journey to realising our global ambition of becoming the most integrated network in the world, making us more agile and simpler for our clients to access our world-class capabilities and talents.”

    On his new role Suri said, “This is an exciting time and opportunity to join dentsu and be part of a pioneering team of next-generation leaders. With the pandemic, it is important, now more than ever, that we create real human connections and build a powerful culture. How can we bring incremental value by fostering a team spirit of excellence and togetherness? This is what I plan to achieve, together with my team, in the coming months and I cannot wait to get started.”

    dentsu Asia Pacific regional HR Director, Kinch Ong, said, “Rohit is a pivotal hire for our team, a well-known name in the industry with a solid track record that we are confident will extend to our dentsu HR function through the impact from his integral role in India’s transformation 2.0.”

  • Newgen Software elevates Virender Jeet to CEO

    Newgen Software elevates Virender Jeet to CEO

    Newgen Software, a global provider of digital transformation platform, has elevated its senior VP- sales, marketing, & products, Virender Jeet to the position of chief executive officer (CEO). The company has also announced the promotion of senior VP- business management, Tarun Nandwani as chief operating officer (COO). The changes have been effective from 1 September.

    “Jeet and Nandwani have been integral to the Newgen growth story and have left no stone unturned in bringing us to an enviable position in the industry,” said Newgen Software, chairman & MD, Diwakar Nigam. “With their experience and able leadership, we look forward to achieving newer heights.”

    Jeet has been with Newgen since its inception in 1992. He has been closely associated with the complete lifecycle of product development, sales & marketing, patents, and various other strategic functions at Newgen, thereby significantly contributing to the business growth in the last 29+ years.

    “With low code- and cloud-based digital transformation taking center stage, we, with our recently unveiled NewgenONE platform, are well-positioned to help enterprises across industries accelerate their digital initiatives and achieve their business goals,” said Jeet. “I look forward to working closely with our SI and consulting partners, and establishing Newgen as the world’s leading platform company.”

    Nandwani has been with Newgen for over 27 years and has been successfully spearheading customer relationship management, commercial activities, new solution, and application development. He has been instrumental in driving business from the install base.

    “Industry analysts have consistently recognised us for our technology and innovation. With digital becoming a priority for every enterprise, we are poised for even greater success,” said Nandwani.

  • Industry veteran Ajay Gahlaut joins dentsu Creative as group CCO

    Industry veteran Ajay Gahlaut joins dentsu Creative as group CCO

    Mumbai: Dentsu India has announced the appointment of creative veteran Ajay Gahlaut as group chief creative officer (GCCO), spearheading creative excellence across dentsu India’s award-winning creative agencies.

    Gahlaut will report to dentsu Creative India, chief executive officer, Amit Wadhwa and will be responsible for accelerating dentsu India’s creative businesses under one optimised service line, said the agency in a statement.

    Dentsu India initiated the formation of a new structure for its creative service line in June this year. The redesign – part of the network’s global plan to transform into the most integrated group in the world by 2024, brings together some of India’s best agencies under one umbrella and catapults Dentsu India into its fresh journey to 2.0. The agency brands that come together under this new creative design are Dentsu Webchutney, Taproot Dentsu, WATConsult, Perfect Relations, Isobar, Dentsu One, Dentsu India, and Dentsu Impact, said the statement.

    A creative genius with over 27 years of experience in advertising, Gahlaut wrote the line ‘Do Boond Zindagi Ki’ that anchored the famous Pulse Polio Immunisation campaign with the superstar Amitabh Bachchan. He also created more than a dozen commercials for the campaign and played a significant part in eradicating polio from India. He was also behind the line ‘Make It Large’ for the whiskey brand Royal Stag that transformed its fortunes and made it the highest-selling whiskey in its price range. He created the character ‘Mr Murthy’ for Voltas air conditioners and catapulted Voltas to the number one position in the category.

    Gahlaut has also created work for the whiskey brand Imperial Blue with the famous ‘men will be men’ sign off. He has won multiple Cannes Lions, One Show and D&AD awards in his more than a quarter-century journey in this business. He also led Ogilvy Delhi to win eight Lions at Cannes in 2013. Some of the most significant brands that Gahlaut has worked on are Pernod Ricard, BMW, HT Mint and KFC at some of the world’s best-known creative shops.

    “Dentsu India is in the midst of an exciting transformation journey towards dentsu India 2.0 and Ajay’s joining is a critical part of the plan,” said Amit Wadhwa. “Ajay is a well-respected creative leader with years of experience across categories and the right mindset that matches with dentsu India 2.0. With the brilliant creative minds in our business, we will be a force to be reckoned with, delivering growth for our clients while continuing our creative evolution at pace and scale.”

    “Dentsu’s creativity defines generations. When the opportunity came to join Amit and his team, I could not refuse. Creativity is in the spotlight, with brands looking to differentiate themselves in a disrupted marketplace – it has never been a more exciting time to work in this field rich with opportunity. I am excited to join dentsu, Amit and the creative teams, delighting clients and creating era-defining work together,” said Gahlaut.

  • Yogesh Nehra named upGrad president, technology

    Yogesh Nehra named upGrad president, technology

    Mumbai: Higher ed-tech company upGrad has appointed Yogesh Nehra as president – technology to spearhead development for the tech infrastructure and make the online learning experience more immersive for its learners globally.

    In his new role at upGrad, Nehra will oversee high-performing engineering teams and driving digital transformation initiatives like product conceptualisation, and application architecture, which can further continue to add-on to the platform’s capabilities for a smoother consumer experience.  

    He brings with him over 15 years of experience in scaling and building high-performance teams, building ground-up software products, and aligning them with business growth to meet scale across the start-up ecosystem. He has co-founded and built ShopG as a social commerce product for Indian users. Before ShopG, Nehra was part of many unicorn’s journeys that include start-ups like Rivigo, Ola, Inmobi, and Wittyparrot among others.

    “We are thrilled to have Yogesh join the upGrad family at such an important juncture. As we are witnessing exponential growth in our user base, the existing infrastructure needs incremental re-engineering to embrace newer technologies that can be integrated into our existing processes to deliver a superior learning experience,” said upGrad, co-founder & MD, Mayank Kumar. “I am confident that his proven expertise in the domain will lead the company to the next level and support the ever-accelerating growth trajectory of the business.”

    “I am excited to join upGrad and contribute towards the vision of powering career success for every member of the global workforce as their trusted lifelong learning partner & driving meaningful career outcomes,” said Nehra. “I look forward to working with this dynamic team and using my expertise in building a product roadmap and infrastructure that will play a significant role in the company’s expansion journey in the coming years.”