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Category: People

  • Hinduja Group appoints Anand Agarwal as group president – finance

    Hinduja Group appoints Anand Agarwal as group president – finance

     MUMBAI: Money talks and so does experience. In a move that signals serious intent for its next phase of growth, the Hinduja Group has roped in financial veteran Anand Agarwal as group president of Finance. With a career spanning nearly three decades and multiple sectors, Agarwal is expected to steer the conglomerate’s financial strategy with a steady, seasoned hand.

    Agarwal brings to the table heavyweight credentials, he’s a chartered accountant, company Secretary, ICWA, CFA, and an executive MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. His résumé reads like a who’s who of Indian industry: Chambal Fertilisers (as CFO), Tata Power, Peepul Capital PE, AGS Transact Technologies, Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Industries, and ITC Limited.

    He has successfully raised capital from global private equity giants, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds, and helmed several high-stakes M&A deals across the Agri Inputs, Infrastructure (Power), FMCG, Cement, Metals, and Financial Services sectors.

    As group pof Hinduja Group HR Amit Chincholikar put it, “With the Group’s businesses entering a phase of strategic expansion, strong financial leadership is crucial. Anand’s vast experience in corporate finance and M&A, along with his proven ability to manage large-scale financial strategies, will be key in driving the Group’s growth.”

    Agarwal, too, sounds ready to get down to business: “My focus will be on enhancing financial efficiency, optimising capital deployment, and supporting the Group’s expansion plans.”

    With Agarwal’s appointment, the Hinduja Group appears poised to fine-tune its financial engine accelerating towards a future built on bold strategy, smart capital, and sharper execution.

  • OPG Mobility appoints Maharana Ray as president & chief growth officer

    OPG Mobility appoints Maharana Ray as president & chief growth officer

    MUMBAI: OPG Mobility (formerly Okaya EV), announced the appointment of Maharana Ray as president & Chief Growth Officer (CGO). In his new role, he will lead the company’s EV business including the Ferrato and OTTOOPG brands while driving expansion, market development, brand building, and strategic business alliances within the Indian electric mobility value chain.

    A distinguished leader with over two decades in the auto, electric mobility, and energy sectors, Maharana is known for his excellence in driving business expansion, forging strategic alliances, and growing operations. He most recently served as vice president at Chetak Electric (Bajaj Auto), spearheading the network development, strategic planning, and customer experience initiatives, successfully expanding the brand’s pan-India footprint.

    Maharana’s career spans both international and domestic markets, with hands-on experience in 16 countries. His expertise covers Sales, Service, Spares, Channel Management, and HR, making him a well-rounded professional equipped to deliver holistic business growth and operational excellence. He is an alumnus of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, and has been a member of the Achiever’s Club at Symbiosis. His strategic leadership skills have been further complemented by training at IIM Ahmedabad.

    Commenting on the appointment, Anshul Gupta, co-founder, OPG Mobility said, “We are delighted to welcome Maharana Ray to our leadership team. As OPG Mobility enters into its next phase of expansion, his leadership and extensive experience in the mobility and energy segments will be critical to accelerating our business. His vision and emphasis on execution fit well with our overall strategy for the electric vehicle businesses.”

    Talking about his new role at OPG Mobility, Maharana Ray expressed, “As one of India’s fastest growing electric mobility solution providers, I am excited to join OPG Mobility and Power Pvt. Ltd. The company’s mission to develop inclusive, reliable, and sustainable electric mobility solutions that truly shape the future of transportation deeply resonates with me, and I look forward to collaborating with the leadership to explore new avenues for growth, scale operations, and strengthen our presence across India and international markets. We will strive together to build a future where OPG Mobility is a trusted partner in India’s and the world’s EV journey.”

  • Ankit Saxena dials into Oppo for a brand-new chapter

    Ankit Saxena dials into Oppo for a brand-new chapter

    MUMBAI: Ankit Saxena, digital media maven and veteran of the agency circuit, has made the jump from campaign chaos to client-side calm, joining Oppo after more than 12 years of brand wizardry.

    Saxena has spent the last decade sharpening brands and slinging strategy at speed. From FMCG and e-commerce to edtech and entertainment, he’s been the man behind the media curtain at marquee names like Swiggy, Instamart, Puma, and V-Guard. Most recently, he helmed regional digital media ops at Havas, with earlier stints at Dentsu Isobar, WATConsult, and Liqvd Asia.

    Now, at Oppo, he’s expected to bring that same blend of performance and purpose, only with fewer all-nighters and a stronger coffee.

     

  • Bimaplan appoints Anurag Mishra as CEO to lead global expansion

    Bimaplan appoints Anurag Mishra as CEO to lead global expansion

    MUMBAI: Bimaplan appointed seasoned international banker Anurag Mishra as its chief executive officer. This strategic leadership transition comes as the company sharpens its focus on profitability and accelerates expansion into global markets.

    Mishra brings nearly 30 years of experience in global banking and financial services, most recently serving as Regional Head for Global Trade, Commodity & Supply Chain Finance at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, managing complex financial operations across emerging markets. Previously, he spent 15 years at Standard Chartered Bank, including a tenure as CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Nepal, where he led transformative initiatives and built strong institutional relationships across regulatory and diplomatic circles.

    “Anurag’s deep expertise in financial services and emerging markets makes him the ideal partner for Bimaplan’s next phase of growth,” said Bimaplan founder Vikul Goyal. “While I continue to focus on product innovation and strategic partnerships, Anurag will drive operational excellence and business expansion.”

    The leadership change coincides with Bimaplan’s growing global ambitions. Following the successful launch of its first international program in Zambia, in partnership with a local microfinance institution, the company is now actively expanding across the Middle East and Africa. These regions represent significant opportunities for Bimaplan’s technology-first approach to embedded insurance, designed to seamlessly integrate coverage into financial platforms.

    “The global embedded insurance market holds immense potential to enhance financial inclusion,” said Mishra. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to forge strategic partnerships and navigate regulatory landscapes across key emerging markets.”

    Since its founding, Bimaplan has delivered insurance solutions to nearly 5 million customers by embedding policies into digital journeys at the point of transaction. This model has proven especially effective in reaching underserved segments traditionally left out by conventional insurance distribution.

    Operating under Purple Umbrella Fintech Pvt Ltd, Bimaplan has built partnerships with leading insurers and digital platforms in India. The company is backed by marquee investors including Orios Venture Partners, Y Combinator, and Finsight Ventures, having raised $6 million across two funding rounds.

    “Bimaplan’s leadership transition marks a pivotal moment in its evolution into a global insurtech leader,” said Sukhmani Bedi, Partner at Orios Venture Partners. “Anurag’s international experience, combined with Vikul’s entrepreneurial vision, sets the stage for sustainable growth across emerging markets.”

  • Meru Life announces leadership move as VML’s Kalpesh Patel charts transition to co-founder and COO role

    Meru Life announces leadership move as VML’s Kalpesh Patel charts transition to co-founder and COO role

    MUMBAI: Meru Life announced the appointment of Kalpesh Patel as Co-Founder, COO, and Head of Technology. He will be overseeing technology and operations for Meru Life.

    With close to three decades of experience leading cross-functional technology teams across services and product ecosystems, Kalpesh is joining Meru Life at a pivotal time in its journey. In his new role, he will be responsible for driving the company’s end-to-end technology vision, scaling platform capabilities, running operations, and building user-first digital products tailored for India’s growing 55+ demographic.

    Before serving as head of operations at VML Enterprise Solutions (India), Kalpesh held the position of Senior Vice President – MarTech at Mirum India, a VML Company, where he led the company’s marketing technology vertical, overseeing software engineering teams and spearheading the execution of large-scale digital transformation projects. Under his leadership, Mirum’s MarTech practice evolved into a platform-agnostic delivery hub for international clients looking for expertise in customer experience, engineering, and CRM. He also helped with the evolution and operations of VML Enterprise Solutions India Hub.

    Speaking on his appointment, Kalpesh Patel shared, “Technology, when built right, can unlock dignity, joy, and ease, especially in the later stages of life. Meru Life’s purpose of enabling Active Seniors to live empowered, independent lives resonates deeply with my belief that tech should serve people, not overwhelm them. I look forward to co-creating an ecosystem that is intuitive, scalable, and purpose-built to enhance the everyday experiences of our country’s Active Seniors.”

    Welcoming him to the leadership team, Meru Life co-founder & CEO, Mihir Karkare noted, “Kalpesh brings the perfect blend of technical depth, product thinking, and purpose-driven leadership that we need at this stage of our growth. His ability to lead agile, scalable technology teams will be instrumental as we expand Meru Life’s platform and build products that truly serve the needs of India’s Active Seniors with clarity, accessibility, and care. We’re excited for this next chapter with him.”

    Kalpesh’s appointment reflects Meru Life’s continued investment in building senior-first, future-ready products and services to support India’s active seniors in their journey toward better health, connection, and independence.

  • Avaada Electro appoints Kaushal Shah as chief financial officer

    Avaada Electro appoints Kaushal Shah as chief financial officer

    MUMBAI: Avaada Electro, the solar PV manufacturing arm of Avaada Group and one of India’s fastest-growing green tech enterprises, has announced the appointment of Kaushal Shah as its chief financial officer.

    A finance veteran with over three decades of experience, Shah brings with him a strong background in capital markets, treasury operations, mergers & acquisitions, investor relations, risk governance, and strategic financial planning. A Chartered Accountant (1993) with a PGDM in Information Systems Audit, he has held senior leadership positions across manufacturing and IT sectors, spearheading large teams and guiding organizations through high-growth phases and financial transformations.

    This strategic appointment comes as Avaada Electro embarks on its next phase of growth, marked by capacity expansion, increased R&D investments, and deeper integration of solar manufacturing to meet both domestic energy needs and global sustainability goals.

    Welcoming Shah, Avaada Group chairman Vineet Mittal said, “Kaushal’s appointment marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to create one of the world’s most advanced and purpose-driven green manufacturing ecosystems. His financial acumen, strategic vision, and values-based leadership will be instrumental as Avaada Electro scales new heights in clean technology and sustainability. We are not just manufacturing modules — we are shaping the future of energy for Bharat and beyond.”

    As CFO, he will lead the company’s financial strategy, stakeholder engagement, capital allocation, and governance frameworks, while supporting innovation-led expansion across solar PV and allied technologies.

    Avaada Electro is currently focused on pushing the boundaries of solar technology—working to enhance solar cell efficiencies beyond 25.5 per cent and increase module power output from 720 Wp to 800 Wp, in line with global performance standards. These advancements are central to the Avaada Group’s broader ambition of deploying 50 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2035.

    Commenting on his appointment, Shah said, “Joining Avaada Electro is not just a professional milestone — it is a mission aligned with my values. I am honoured to be part of a visionary organisation that places purpose and sustainability at the heart of its growth strategy. I look forward to building a strong financial foundation that powers innovation and impact.”

  • BBDO India elevates Shruthi Subramaniam to executive creative director – Mumbai

    BBDO India elevates Shruthi Subramaniam to executive creative director – Mumbai

    MUMBAI: BBDO India has announced the elevation of Shruthi Subramaniam to the role of executive creative director – Mumbai. With over 14 years of experience, Shruthi brings a powerful combination of creative excellence and strategic acumen to her new leadership role.

    At BBDO India, Shruthi has been the creative force behind campaigns for iconic global brands such as WhatsApp, Bumble, Neutrogena. Her portfolio also includes work for industry giants like Unilever and Mercedes-Benz – projects that are as impactful as they are culturally meaningful. Most recently, she was honoured with a prestigious CLIO Music Award, earning recognition alongside international names like Harry Styles and Ozzy Osbourne – a testament to her ability to create work that resonates across borders and audiences.

    In her new role, Shruthi joins BBDO India’s core leadership team, where she will help shape the agency’s creative direction, lead key client partnerships, and mentor emerging talent. Her focus will be on driving innovation in both storytelling and “story-doing,” while pushing the boundaries of modern advertising.

    Commenting on Shruthi’s promotion, Josy Paul, Chairman & CCO, BBDO India, said, “Shruthi’s work is famous, her craft is brilliant, and her vision for the future of advertising is inspiring. She’s been an integral part of BBDO India’s growth story. With our vibrant, diverse talent pool, we’re confident she’ll bring even more value to our clients while moving the agency and industry forward.”

    Speaking on her new role, Shruthi Subramaniam, ECD, BBDO India shared, “The BBDO Ashram is my home – I want to decorate it with ideas, fill each room with the warmth of conversation, and have people over who never want to leave. Belonging is the start of everything. My wish is to make people belong, bloom and become.”

  • Ankit Rihal takes charge of global partnerships at Meta India

    Ankit Rihal takes charge of global partnerships at Meta India

    MUMBAI: Ankit Rihal, a veteran of nearly a decade at Meta, has snagged a new gig as head – global partnerships, India. Rihal, who’s been a fixture at Meta for a solid nine years and two months, is now tasked with steering the ship for global alliances in the burgeoning Indian market.

    With over 17 years in the rough-and-tumble world of media and entertainment, Rihal brings a proven knack for crafting impactful content ecosystems and forging strategic partnerships. He’s danced across everything from OTT and television to film, music, and gaming, making him a rather versatile chap. Before this latest move, he was busy leading creator & public figure partnerships for Meta’s Facebook and Instagram in India, managing the high-stakes relationships across entertainment, sports, fashion, and music – essentially, shaping the creator economy at scale.

    During his Meta tenure, Rihal has been the brains behind some of India’s most iconic digital initiatives, including the likes of #SocialForGood, #LiveInYourLivingRoom, and the rather catchy Born on Instagram. He also played a pivotal role in rolling out flagship products such as Reels, Instagram Stories, and Threads in India, which, one might say, helped Meta cement its digital dominance.

    His expertise spans from go-to-market strategy, digital IP creation, product adoption, content acquisition, stakeholder engagement to orchestrating large-scale cross-functional & team leadership.

  • Tina Mansukhani Garg joins Havas Creative as president

    Tina Mansukhani Garg joins Havas Creative as president

    MUMBAI: Havas Creative India, part of the wider Havas Creative Network, has made a cracking appointment, bringing Tina Mansukhani Garg on board as its new president. Formerly the chief executive officer and founder of Pink Lemonade Communications, a rather sweet-sounding agency, one might say – she arrives with a clear mandate: pump up the volume on growth and cement Havas Creative’s footprint in the ever-shifting South India market.

    Based out of the bustling tech hub of Bengaluru, Garg will report directly to Rana Barua, the group chief executive officer for Havas India, South East Asia & North Asia. She’ll be spearheading a team of over 70 dedicated souls at Havas Creative Bengaluru, wrangling key clients and, more importantly, plotting to expand the agency’s creative and strategic reach across the entire southern region. Think of it as a strategic southern offensive.

    Ms. Garg isn’t going it alone. She’ll be working by jowl with Kundan Joshee, managing director, Havas Creative India, and Anupama Ramaswamy, joint managing director and chief creative officer, Havas Creative India, all with the shared goal of igniting and accelerating the agency’s growth.

    With almost three decades of experience under her belt, spanning branding, content, design, and digital strategy, Garg brings a formidable arsenal of integrated marketing know-how to the table. During her time at Pink Lemonade, she reportedly tangoed with over 1,000 global and Indian brands, including heavy hitters like Swiggy, Dell, GE Healthcare, Hyundai, PwC, and Mercedes. Havas, it appears, has bagged itself a marketing maestro ready to paint the town red, or rather, the south green with new business.

  • Anirban Basu back to ‘home’ turf, takes charge at Abbott India

    Anirban Basu back to ‘home’ turf, takes charge at Abbott India

    MUMBAI: Anirban Basu, a seasoned hand with nearly two decades in the cut-throat world of nutrition, food & beverages, and CPG (FMCG), is heading back to his stomping grounds, taking up the mantle of general manager – India at Abbott.

    With 18 years under his belt, Basu isn’t just a pretty face. His CV boasts multi-country P&L management, a fancy way of saying he knows how to make money, and lots of it, across borders. He’s also a dab hand at market strategy, building robust business models and assembling winning teams. Clearly, he’s no stranger to cracking the whip when needed, all while nurturing a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship.

    Beyond the boardroom, Basu wears several other hats. He’s a keen mentor to young students and startup founders, perhaps whispering sweet nothings about the virtues of a balanced ledger. And, proving he truly puts his money where his mouth is, he’s an active angel investor in a clutch of early-stage D2C and tech businesses. Furthermore, he’s a board member of the American Chamber of Commerce, cementing his place as a mover and shaker in the subcontinent’s business echelons.