ITV

Category: People

  • iQOO appoints 25-year-old as chief gaming officer; offers Rs 10 lakh

    iQOO appoints 25-year-old as chief gaming officer; offers Rs 10 lakh

    MUMBAI: iQOO appointed Vedang Vikas Chavan, a 25-year-old eSports coach and gamer from Mumbai, has been named as iQOO’s new chief gaming officer, emerging victorious in a three-month-long search that drew over 80,000 participants from 400+ Indian cities and towns. Vedang has been tested on his gameplay skills, gaming knowledge, personality, and communication along with the other participants. As part of this role, he will take home a remuneration of Rs 10 lakh.

    Hailing from Navi Mumbai, Vedang’s journey is a story of relentless passion and perseverance. A chess prodigy in his early years, Vedang discovered gaming at age 10 and soon found himself captivated by esports. From sneaking into gaming cafés during college to representing India at international PUBG PC tournaments in Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Australia, his hustle never stopped. When he transitioned to coaching, he set out to give aspiring gamers a real shot at experiencing competitive esports. He handpicked grassroots talent and built teams from scratch, coaching them to podium finishes at top esports events. From being told he wasn’t good enough to become a sought-after leader, Vedang carved his space in a tough industry and helped others rise alongside him.

    Expressing his excitement, Vedang said, “I’m genuinely overwhelmed and grateful to be named iQOO’s new Chief Gaming Officer. When I first came across this opportunity on LinkedIn, I saw it as the perfect way to challenge myself, a chance to grow, upgrade my skills, and do something meaningful in the esports space. And the fact that it was coming from a brand like iQOO made it even more exciting. I knew I had to give it my all. I never imagined it would take me all the way here. The competition rounds were intense, and the finalists I met along the way were all incredibly talented. I’ll never forget the video call with Nipun sir congratulating me, that’s a moment I’ll always treasure. This journey has been surreal, and I’m thankful to iQOO, the jury, and everyone who believed in me. I’m excited to now take this passion forward with iQOO and give back to the community that shaped me.

    Welcoming Vedang, iQOO CEO Nipun Marya said, “This is yet another iconic moment for the Indian smartphone industry, and we are proud to welcome Vedang as our new Chief Gaming Officer. Vedang perfectly embodies the spirit of ‘I Quest On and On’. His journey from grassroots gaming to leading top teams reflects the passion and perseverance we value at iQOO. With his experience as a player, coach, and mentor, we believe he will bring a sharper understanding of the gaming community and a fresh perspective to our gaming initiatives. All of us at iQOO are excited to have him join the family, and we are  confident he will make a meaningful impact in this role.”

    From competing against 80,000+ passionate gamers to impressing a power-packed jury panel featuring Nipun Marya, Rannvijay Singha, Payal Gaming (Payal Dhare), and 8bit Thug (Animesh Agarwal), Vedang has emerged as the winner of CGO 2.0. As CGO, Vedang will work closely with iQOO’s leadership, offering insights to enhance the smartphone gaming experience and  connect with the esports ecosystem. The position will also give him the opportunity to collaborate with top gamers across India and earn a prize of Rs 10 lakhs.

    In addition to strengthening its presence in the esports space, iQOO has appointed Harshvardhan as its official caster. A passionate storyteller and presenter, Harshvardhan began his casting journey two years ago and quickly made a mark by winning the Nodwin Gaming Talent Hunt three times, including during BGIS 2024. Beyond the mic, he brings a well-rounded understanding of the esports ecosystem, skilled in production, match analysis, editing, and design. With his deep connection to the gaming community and evolving expertise, Harshvardhan will serve as a strong voice for iQOO’s gaming initiatives across platforms.

  • Assembly gets its first India CEO: Alap Ghosh steps up to the plate

    Assembly gets its first India CEO: Alap Ghosh steps up to the plate

    MUMBAI: In a move that’s set to assemble a formidable force in the Indian media landscape, Assembly, the global omnichannel media agency under the Stagwell network, has appointed Alap Ghosh as its inaugural CEO for India. Based in Mumbai, Ghosh will officially take the reins on 1 August 2025, reporting directly to Matt Adams, global chief operating officer of Assembly.

    Ghosh, a digital doyen with over 25 years under his belt, brings a wealth of expertise across the digital ecosystem, having navigated the intricate worlds of advertising technology, marketing technology, and programmatic platforms throughout his illustrious career. He joins Assembly after a stint at Google India, where he was the head of data and technology partnerships, a role that saw him spearhead marketing technology and digital innovation for Google’s enterprise partners and clients. His resume also boasts leadership roles at Jellyfish and even a successful data consultancy he founded himself, giving him a panoramic view across supply, demand, innovation, and revenue functions. With a proven knack for building teams, scaling operations, and driving digital advancement, Ghosh is clearly the right fit to usher in Assembly’s next phase of growth in India.

    In his fresh new role, Ghosh will be tasked with knitting together Assembly’s media operations across Mumbai and Bangalore, forging a unified offering that spans media, creative, technology, and commerce. His leadership will be pivotal in accelerating growth and crafting more interconnected omnichannel experiences that promise to make brands truly perform across the region. It seems Assembly is all set to build something truly special.

    “Alap’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Assembly in India,” said Assembly Global CEO Rick Acampora. “India is an important growth market for Assembly and for many of our global clients, and we’re committed to realizing its full potential. Alap brings the right mix of crosssector experience and proven leadership to help us build something genuinely differentiated in this region.”

    “I’m excited to join Assembly at such a pivotal moment for Assembly and for India,” said Ghosh. “By bringing our teams together, with one vision and voice, we can create something bold, unified, and fit for purpose for what’s next for India. India is moving fast creatively, culturally, and digitally and we have a real opportunity to build an offering that delivers for today’s clients and sets a new benchmark for what’s possible in this market’s future.”   
     

  • CEO pay in India soars to Rs 7.2 crore; CFOs take home Rs 2.3 crore

    CEO pay in India soars to Rs 7.2 crore; CFOs take home Rs 2.3 crore

    MUMBAI: Chief executives at India’s listed companies pocketed an average of Rs 7.2 crore in FY24, according to a new study by executive search firm Resource Bridge. The figure marks a doubling over the past decade, reflecting an annual growth rate of nine per cent. Chief financial officers, meanwhile, earned an average of Rs 2.3 crore — a 1.7-fold rise in the same period.

    The CEO Compensation Report 2025 and CFO Compensation Report 2025, compiled after a three-month analysis of nearly 1,000 annual reports and public financial data, highlight how leadership pay is shaped by sector, geography, and ownership. Manufacturing-sector CEOs remain the best paid, while CFOs in services-led industries top their peer group. Executives in North India command the highest salaries, while those in the East lag consistently behind.

    Ownership matters, too. Multinational corporations continue to outpay Indian-owned firms, with executive compensation spiking sharply once turnover passes Rs 5,000 crore — and again at the Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 1 lakh crore marks.

    To aid boards and promoters, the report debuts a proprietary compensation calculator that benchmarks CEO and CFO salaries based on turnover, sector, ownership, region and financial performance.

    Founded by K. Ramadhurai and Saroja Ramadhurai, Mumbai-based Resource Bridge has built a 20-year legacy focusing exclusively on CEO and CFO appointments. The firm is known for its research-driven counsel on leadership transitions and pay structuring.

  • Rajiee Shinde returns as CEO to lead PTC Entertainment’s next chapter

    Rajiee Shinde returns as CEO to lead PTC Entertainment’s next chapter

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, comeback! Rajiee M. Shinde, one of Indian media’s most formidable forces, is back in the director’s chair at PTC Entertainment. Effective 1 August 2025, she takes charge as chief executive officer, reporting directly to Sukhbir Singh Badal, the promoter of PTC Network. And yes, this isn’t just a reunion; it’s a reinvention.

    Known for her razor-sharp programming instincts and a CV that reads like a greatest hits album, Shinde helped catapult PTC Punjabi to the No. 1 spot during her earlier nine-year stint from 2008 to 2018. Now, she’s back for the sequel with a vision that’s bolder, more global, and unmistakably desi.

    A Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award winner, Shinde brings with her over two decades of experience across content, music and entertainment businesses. She previously launched Showbox for IN10 Media, headed Epic Channel India as president, and helmed ETC Punjabi at Zee, where she pioneered India’s first Punjabi music channel. In recent years, she’s led Sai Mehar Media and served as CEO of Wild Music Records.

    Her new innings at PTC will involve scaling up original programming, unlocking new digital strategies, and tapping into international viewership all while keeping the core audience firmly at heart. She will operate out of both Mohali and Gurugram.

    “Rajiee’s return marks an exciting new chapter for PTC Entertainment,” said a source close to the network. “She brings not just leadership but legacy and she’s already proven that she knows how to win audiences across borders and platforms.”

    Shinde’s appointment also signals PTC’s intent to double down on regional content with global ambition, at a time when vernacular storytelling is commanding centre stage in Indian entertainment. From boardrooms to backlots, she’s set to steer the brand through a new era of digital disruption, international expansion, and audience-first content innovation.

    And if her track record is anything to go by, she’s not just holding the mic, she’s about to drop it.

  • Swiggy announces the transition of its board towards an independent structure

    Swiggy announces the transition of its board towards an independent structure

    MUMBAI: Swiggy Ltd (NSE: SWIGGY | BSE: 544285 ), has announced the appointment of Faraz Khalid, CEO of noon, as an independent director on its board; subject to shareholder approval. The company also announced the resignation of Sumer Juneja and Anand Daniel, non-executive and non-independent directors; who were representatives of key investors Softbank and Accel respectively on its Board.

    Swiggy founder and group CEO Sriharsha Majet said, “Faraz is among the most visionary leaders in e-commerce, bringing extensive expertise in integrating advanced technology, scaling operations, and delivering superior customer experiences. With his joining our Board, our independent directors (led by our Chairperson) represent four pillars of strategic governance. They bring a wide array of experience across established companies and startups, and marry business and financial acumen with fiduciary expertise. We are confident that their foresight and diversity shall be vital in guiding Swiggy on its next leg of growth.”

    Faraz Khalid is the CEO of noon, the Middle East’s leading consumer commerce platform. Under his leadership, Noon has evolved into an ecommerce, quick commerce and food delivery platform. He previously co-founded Namshi, helping establish it as a regional fashion leader. Faraz is recognized for his strategic vision and innovation in shaping the region’s digital economy.

    Non-independent directors Sumer Juneja and Anand Daniel are stepping back from board representation following a period of significant progress and value-creation at Swiggy. This transition reflects their confidence in the company’s strategic direction, executive leadership, and governance framework.

    With this natural progression after Swiggy’s successful IPO last year, the board has made significant strides towards an independent structure, aligning with best practices for publicly listed companies.

    Kripalu said, “We are delighted to welcome Faraz to the Board and look forward to leveraging his considerable experience at noon. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Sumer and Anand for their invaluable contributions. Both have been associated with Swiggy since the early days, and their confidence and counsel have been instrumental in helping the management team build Swiggy into one of India’s most beloved consumer internet brands. The refreshed Board structure underscores Swiggy’s commitment to enhancing Board independence as part of the long-term roadmap towards stronger corporate governance, transparency, and value creation for all shareholders.”

  • Kedaara Capital ropes in Unilever veteran Nitin Paranjpe as chief mentor and operating partner

    Kedaara Capital ropes in Unilever veteran Nitin Paranjpe as chief mentor and operating partner

    MUMBAI: Private equity firm Kedaara Capital has appointed Nitin Paranjpe as chief mentor and operating partner, tapping into the expertise of one of the most seasoned executives in India’s consumer goods sector.
    Paranjpe, who spent nearly four decades at Unilever, brings formidable leadership experience across operations, transformation, and global category management. 

    He began his career at the Anglo-Dutch FMCG giant in 1987 and went on to serve as CEO of Hindustan Unilever from 2008 to 2013—one of its youngest ever—and later held senior global roles including president of home care, president of foods and refreshment, and chief operating officer.

    During his tenure, Paranjpe spearheaded multiple high-impact initiatives, from doubling business performance at HUL, to leading large-scale integrations and driving digitisation at Unilever globally. Most recently, he served as chief people and transformation officer at Unilever, where he led one of the group’s most ambitious restructurings in two decades.

    In his new role, Paranjpe will work closely with Kedaara’s sector teams—especially in consumer and allied verticals—providing operational insight on both existing and prospective investments. He will also advise Kedaara’s senior leadership on strategic initiatives across the firm.

    Paranjpe currently serves as non-executive chairman of HUL, and sits on the boards of global firms including Heineken and Infosys, further underlining the stature he brings to the table.

    His appointment signals Kedaara’s intent to deepen operational value creation as a key lever in its investment thesis across India’s high-growth consumer landscape.

  • Shiv Raheja takes charge of e-commerce and quick commerce at Society Tea

    Shiv Raheja takes charge of e-commerce and quick commerce at Society Tea

    MUMBAI: Shiv Raheja has been elevated to head of digital marketing – e-commerce and quick commerce at Society Tea, marking a significant milestone in his nearly six-year journey with the Mumbai-based FMCG brand.
    Raheja, who joined the company in November 2019, has steadily climbed the ranks from digital marketing manager to senior manager – digital and e-commerce, and now assumes full leadership of the brand’s digital commerce and growth strategies.

    With a decade-plus track record across high-growth sectors like FMCG, OTT and retail, Raheja has worked with marquee companies including Nature’s Basket, Hotstar and Gold’s Gym. At Hotstar, he was instrumental in converting blue-chip brands like Apple, Reliance Jio and Bajaj Auto into digital-first advertisers, while also bringing LIC onboard for the Rio Olympics in 2016.

    Known for his innovative integration campaigns and knack for driving customer acquisition at scale, Raheja is now tasked with accelerating Society Tea’s digital revenue and strengthening its footprint across e-commerce and q-commerce platforms.

    Raheja’s appointment comes as Society Tea looks to sharpen its focus on digital-first distribution in a rapidly evolving tea and beverages market.

  • Divya Dixit takes the reins at Recz as CEO

    Divya Dixit takes the reins at Recz as CEO

    MUMBAI: Serial growth specialist and former AltBalaji, Z5 and Google Appscale mentor Divya Dixit has taken over as chief executive officer of Recz, a luxury-focused consumertech and social networking platform that recently rolled out its beta version.

    Announcing her new role on LinkedIn, Dixit invited users to “make a profile, play with it, and share brutally honest feedback.” She’s promised to helm Recz with “obsession-worthy execution” and build not just a product but a brand that’s “loved and lived.”

    With over two decades of experience across entertainment, telecom, OTT, and gaming, Dixit has previously held senior roles at AltBalaji (senior vice president, marketing and revenue), Z5, LeEco, and Tata Docomo. She’s also been an advisor to startups in blockchain, metaverse, OTT, and music tech, while currently consulting for One Health Assist.

    As Recz eyes scale in the niche but rising luxury digital segment, Dixit’s entry signals an aggressive play for user growth, community building, and monetisation. Whether Recz becomes the next app obsession may depend on how sharply it can execute under her leadership — and how quickly it tunes in to user vibes

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • VML India Appoints Dhruv Warrior as executive creative director

    VML India Appoints Dhruv Warrior as executive creative director

    MUMBAI: VML India has announced the appointment of Dhruv Warrior as executive creative director. With over 17 years of experience in advertising and brand communication, Warrior brings a strong mix of creativity, strategy, and cultural inclusion.

    An internationally awarded creative leader, Warrior has held various positions with JWT, VMLY&R Dubai, and FoxyMoron. He has consistently delivered bold, award-winning campaigns, integrating technology, emerging trends, and precise craft to bring evocative and culturally inclusive campaigns to life.

    VML India CEO Babita Baruah said, “We are excited to have Dhruv join our team. Dhruv’s commitment to infusing creativity with culture will continue to elevate VML’s ethos. Dhruv will work closely with Kalpesh Patankar and Sachin Dhir to continue driving our best work for our clients.”

    VML India CCO, Kalpesh Patankar said, “Dhruv brings in the creativity that understands both global ambitions and local nuances. He has a keen cultural sensibility and a strong command of modern storytelling. VML is constantly evolving to be creatively bold, strategically relevant, and deeply connected to the audiences we serve. We are excited to have Dhruv join us and we look forward to doing some great work.”

    “I am thrilled to join VML India,” said Warrior. “I firmly believe that creative thinking is the engine of transformation, driving strategy, media, engagement, and innovation. VML has set a benchmark in merging insights, strategy, technology, and innovation in their work, and I look forward to continuing to build the strategic acumen to further strengthen the agency’s creative vision. I would like to thank the leadership for this opportunity, and I am certain we are going to continue to bring out great work for our brands.”

    Warrior will be based out of VML’s Bangalore office and will report into Kalpesh Patankar.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)
     

  • Shivam Ranjan takes the global brand head role at Motorola Mobility

    Shivam Ranjan takes the global brand head role at Motorola Mobility

    MUMBAI:  Motorola Mobility, a Lenovo company, has announced the appointment of Shivam Ranjan as its new global head of brand, Motorola. Ranjan, expressing “immense gratitude and humility,” will now oversee worldwide brand strategy and end-to-end marketing communications for all Motorola products, software, and services.

    This promotion follows Ranjan’s significant contributions to Motorola Mobility’s growth in the Asia Pacific region, where he most recently served as head of marketing for two and a half years. During this period, he was responsible for marketing across key markets including India, Australia, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia.

    Prior to that, he spent five years and eight months as head of marketing for Motorola India, where he managed all aspects of marketing, public relations, brand management, and alliances for smartphones, tablets, consumer appliances, home audio, and televisions. His tenure saw him lead product marketing, digital and ATL communication, media planning, and CRM for numerous launches and campaigns.

    Ranjan acknowledged the instrumental guidance of his mentor and manager, Prashanth Mani, whose leadership in APAC he credited with shaping his professional journey. He also extended “heartfelt thanks” to Ruben Castano and Sergio Buniac for entrusting him with this global responsibility.

    With over 15 years of diverse experience spanning marketing, brand management, corporate communication, strategy, business development, project management, and IT, Ranjan brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

    Before his nearly six-year stint at Motorola Mobility, he held senior marketing and brand roles at Airtel Payments Bank and Samsung Electronics, where he spearheaded 360-degree communication strategies for product launches and managed significant marketing budgets. His earlier career also includes roles in business strategy and IT. An MBA from a top global B-school, Ranjan’s appointment signals Motorola’s commitment to further strengthening its global brand presence.