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Category: People

  • Opptra names Afshan Banu as CEO – fashion and beauty

    Opptra names Afshan Banu as CEO – fashion and beauty

    MUMBAI: Opptra, the AI-powered omnichannel platform helping consumer brands scale into Asia, has appointed Afshan Banu as chief executive officer – fashion and beauty, bringing on board a heavyweight with over three decades of retail and digital expertise.

    Banu, whose career spans iconic names like Nike, Victoria’s Secret, GAP, Triumph and Lazada, will lead Opptra’s expansion strategy for fashion and beauty verticals, turbocharging digital transformation and franchise-led growth for international labels eyeing Asian markets.

    At Nike, she served as senior director for e-commerce across Southeast Asia and India, playing a crucial role in building Nike.com, the Nike App, SNKRS, and its marketplace muscle. Her previous stints at Lazada and Victoria’s Secret saw her drive brand development, strategic partnerships, and regional profitability in high-growth segments.

    Opptra’s co-founder called her appointment “a shot of adrenaline” for its global ambitions. With deep expertise across brick-and-mortar, e-commerce and digital ecosystems, Banu’s mandate is clear — bring the world’s best brands to Asia, faster and smarter.

    Commenting on her appointment at Opptra CEO – fashion and Beauty, Afshan Banu said, “I am excited to join Opptra at a time when the omnichannel experience is becoming more important. As global commerce continues to grow, Opptra’s digital-first technology and strong product solutions are well-positioned to provide the best experiences, both online and offline for consumers. We aim to help brands overcome infrastructure, regulatory, and cultural challenges by creating the world’s most innovative international expansion franchise model for brands.”

    As beauty and fashion brands battle for scale in a fragmented retail landscape, Opptra’s AI-led omnichannel playbook, now helmed by a leader with proven mettle — could be the edge they need.

  • iCubesWire ropes in Shashank B. V. to lead influencer content sales in the South

    iCubesWire ropes in Shashank B. V. to lead influencer content sales in the South

    MUMBAI: iCubesWire has brought back a familiar face to fuel its southern ambitions. Shashank B. V. has been appointed business director – sales (South) to lead content sales for influencer marketing, with a laser focus on hyperlocal, creator-first storytelling that delivers both scale and substance.

    Shashank, a digital veteran with over 20 years of experience, is no stranger to iCubesWire. His previous stint as group head, South, saw him lay the groundwork for the company’s growth in the region. Now, with influencer marketing entering a high-stakes era of ROI and relevance, Shashank’s brief is clear — connect brands with communities, not just clicks.

    From past leadership roles at Hungama Digital Services, Times Internet, and Tyroo Media, he brings a sharp understanding of branded content and digital sales, with a network that straddles both blue-chip advertisers and fast-rising D2C disruptors.

    Reporting to Nishant Sharma, co-founder and chief business officer at iCubesWire, Shashank will drive native integrations, performance-led influencer strategy, and multilingual content monetisation, all part of the agency’s aggressive push into the southern market.

    As brands double down on creator commerce and culturally-rooted campaigns, iCubesWire is positioning itself as the go-to MarTech ally for brands looking to translate influence into impact and Shashank is back at the helm to make sure the story sticks.

  • Suheil Mohan joins Flipkart as senior manager for brand marketing

    Suheil Mohan joins Flipkart as senior manager for brand marketing

    MUMBAI: Suheil Mohan has taken charge as senior manager 2, brand marketing at Flipkart, marking another high-profile move in India’s fast-evolving digital marketing space. Based in Bengaluru, Mohan joined the Walmart-owned e-commerce major in May 2025.

    Mohan brings with him over a decade of experience across top-tier startups and agencies. Prior to this, he led brand and growth marketing at agritech disruptor Ninjacart, where he spearheaded the platform’s rebranding and digital storytelling campaigns. His earlier stints include brand roles at Byju’s, Mobile Premier League (MPL), and Junglee Games, where he played a key part in executing big-budget campaigns tied to Hindi cinema and gaming IPs.

    A former strategy and branded content manager at GroupM, Mohan also worked with Airtel as a digital consultant during a pivotal phase of its 4G growth drive. Starting his career as an engineer, he later pivoted to marketing after completing his management studies.

    At Flipkart, Mohan is expected to bolster the company’s brand storytelling and campaign strategy as it prepares for festive season blitzes and deeper consumer engagement in tier 2 and tier 3 India.

    His appointment signals Flipkart’s ongoing investment in top marketing talent to stay ahead in the fiercely competitive e-commerce space.

  • Tanuj Luthra elevated as chief business officer at CarDekho Group

    Tanuj Luthra elevated as chief business officer at CarDekho Group

    NEW DELHI: Auto-tech platform CarDekho Group has named Tanuj Luthra as its chief business officer, (CBO) marking a significant leadership elevation for the digital veteran with over two decades of experience in media, digital, banking, and telecom.. 

    Luthra, who joined CarDekho in 2023 as vice president – new auto, has since April 2025 (when he was named CBO) has been overseeing  the group’s entire business strategy, revenue leadership, and partnerships. His remit includes driving growth across digital ads, branded content, SaaS offerings, and white-label IPs, while accelerating the company’s digital transformation journey in the automotive space.

    A business engineer-turned-marketer with an MBA and a senior management programme from IIM Ahmedabad, Luthra has previously held key roles at Network18 and Star India, The Walt Disney Co, and Citibank. Known for cracking Rs 100-crore+ deals and pioneering brand-led content integrations, he has worked with top-tier brands including Dabur, Coca-Cola, Patanjali, and Alibaba.

    Industry insiders say Luthra’s mix of deal-making prowess, strategic acumen, and deep client relationships puts him in the driver’s seat to unlock the next chapter of growth for CarDekho.

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  • Fry and Mighty HyFun celebrates India’s global potato power play

    Fry and Mighty HyFun celebrates India’s global potato power play

    MUMBAI: As the world bites into French Fries Day, India is frying high and it’s not just about the spuds. Frozen fries are having a global moment, and India’s making sure it has a seat and a plate at the table. Leading the charge is Hyfun Foods, which on this French Fries Day celebrates not just the golden crisp, but a golden opportunity: turning India into a global hub for potato innovation.

    In FY 2023–24, India exported over 135,877 tonnes of frozen French fries worth Rs 1,478.73 crore, with Hyfun contributing the lion’s share to this crispy crusade. From straight cut to crinkle to peri-peri fries, HyFun now serves up potato perfection in over 40 countries.

    But beyond the global stats and sizzling exports lies a quiet revolution back home in Gujarat’s potato fields.

    What began as a modest contract-farming initiative with 200 farmers has now grown into Hyfarm, an agri-arm that supports over 7,000 smallholders across 35,000 plus acres in North Gujarat. And by 2028, HyFun aims to empower 30,000 plus farmers, focusing on climate-smart practices and stable income models.

    “At HyFun, growth has never been just about numbers. It’s about empowering farmers, advancing agriculture with science and technology, and creating a profitable and sustainable future,” said Hyfun Foods managing director & group CEO Haresh Karamchandani.

    Home to one of Asia’s largest potato processing plants, HyFun’s Gujarat facility can process over 1,000 tonnes of potatoes daily, blending agritech precision with palate-pleasing versatility from hash browns to coated fries.

    This French Fries Day, Hyfun isn’t just celebrating a snack, it’s celebrating India’s place on the global plate, powered by its farmers, technology, and taste buds.

    Because when it comes to putting India on the global food map these fries are just the beginning.

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  • Kia shifts into top gear with Atul Sood as new sales and marketing head

    Kia shifts into top gear with Atul Sood as new sales and marketing head

    MUMBAI: From driving growth at Toyota to taking the wheel at Kia, Atul Sood is all set for his next ride. Kia India has hit the accelerator on its leadership transformation, appointing Atul Sood as senior vice president of sales & marketing, effective 11 July 2025. A veteran of the Indian auto sector, Sood will lead Kia’s pan-India sales operations and marketing strategy, reporting directly to chief sales officer Joonsu Cho.

    Bringing with him nearly 30 years of industry experience, Sood was most recently president and director at Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India (TMSS), where he played a key role in steering innovation and business expansion. His previous stints at Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific further cement his reputation as a strategic leader with a deep understanding of both market dynamics and customer needs.

    Kia India’s MD & CEO Gwanggu Lee welcomed the appointment saying, “Atul’s proven track record in customer-first innovation and dealer network development makes him the ideal candidate to guide Kia through its next growth chapter. We’re confident his leadership will further our brand promise and strengthen our foothold in India’s mass-premium segment.”

    An engineer from Thapar Institute and a PGDM holder from SCMHRD Pune, Sood brings a rare mix of operational rigour and marketing flair. His leadership comes at a time when Kia India is looking to expand its market share, grow its product footprint, and deepen customer relationships across metros and emerging markets alike.

    Speaking on his new role, Sood said, “Joining Kia at such a pivotal moment in its India journey is truly exciting. The brand’s commitment to innovation, design, and customer delight aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to building on its strong foundation and driving sustainable growth across the country.”

    With this appointment, Kia India signals its intent to keep up the momentum in one of the world’s fastest-evolving auto markets and if Sood’s track record is any indication, the ride ahead is going to be anything but ordinary.
     

  • Jupiter banks on experience with Akhilesh Jha in the driver’s seat

    Jupiter banks on experience with Akhilesh Jha in the driver’s seat

    MUMBAI: If money talks, Jupiter Money just made a power move by bringing banking veteran Akhilesh Jha into the conversation. In a strategic hire that signals its next phase of growth, Jupiter Money has appointed Akhilesh Jha as senior vice president for banking and partnerships. With over 20 years of experience in retail banking and digital strategy most recently as head of retail banking portfolio at DBS Bank Jha steps in to amplify Jupiter’s push toward becoming India’s go-to money platform.

    At a time when fintechs are rewriting the rules of personal finance, Jupiter’s move shows it’s doubling down on what it does best: combining digital ease with meaningful banking experiences. In his new role, Jha will lead the charge on deepening collaborations with banks and financial institutions, helping Jupiter scale its offerings across savings, credit, and payments.

    “We are building a platform that simplifies money for millions of Indians,” said Jupiter Money president, Rohit Kumar Pandey. “Akhilesh brings the perfect mix of legacy banking and fintech edge. As we grow, his insight will be vital in shaping impactful partnerships.”

    Jha echoed the sentiment, noting the “mutually beneficial ecosystem” that fintech-bank alliances can create. “Customers get intuitive, digital-first products; banks unlock new channels and revenues; and Jupiter becomes the bridge that makes it happen,” he said.

    The announcement comes at a time when Jupiter Money is riding strong tailwinds. In the last quarter alone, it secured key regulatory clearances, expanded its credit footprint, and maintained steady user growth. With an eye on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the company is working to unlock financial access for underserved digital users.

    Jupiter’s product suite already includes an all-in-one savings account (powered by Federal Bank), a Rupay credit card with CSB Bank that integrates with UPI and offers cashback, and an upcoming prepaid wallet after receiving RBI nod. Jha’s appointment adds muscle to Jupiter’s ambition of turning its platform into a full-stack, digital-first banking experience, one that’s as easy as it is empowering.

    As Indian consumers grow savvier and seek smarter ways to manage their money, Jupiter Money’s latest leadership bet might just prove that experience is, in fact, the best investment.

  • Wealth of Experience as Debasish Mohanty Joins The Wealth Company

    Wealth of Experience as Debasish Mohanty Joins The Wealth Company

    MUMBAI: They say knowledge compounds like interest and The Wealth Company just made a high-return hire. The Wealth Company has appointed Debasish Mohanty as Chief Strategy Officer for its Asset Management Arm, tapping into his 30-plus years of deep domain expertise in India’s mutual fund industry. Known among peers as a walking encyclopaedia of financial strategy, Mohanty’s arrival marks a pivotal chapter for the organisation as it aims to scale with innovation and insight.

    Mohanty’s illustrious career includes leadership roles at UTI AMC, where he served as president and national head of sales, while also overseeing policy research, business transformation, corporate communication, and marketing functions. His name is also familiar in policy circles, having played an active role on various AMFI committees including those on operations & compliance, ARN, and common platform.

    Currently serving as an independent director at LIC Pension Funds Ltd., regulated by PFRDA, Mohanty brings not just experience but a rare combination of academic rigour and practical strategy. A postgraduate and M.Phil in Economics from JNU, he also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in securities law, and wears many certified hats: CFP, CWM, and CAIIB. His executive education portfolio spans Kellogg School of Management, ISB Hyderabad, and IIM Ahmedabad.

    In his new role, Mohanty will steer growth, innovation, and long-term value creation at The Wealth Company’s asset management operations. “My focus will be on strategic initiatives that elevate the company’s position in the market,” he said, underscoring plans to work closely with leadership on risk mitigation, opportunity identification, and stakeholder returns.

    The Wealth Company MD & CEO Madhu Lunawat described Mohanty as “the encyclopedia of the mutual fund industry,” lauding his ability to operate seamlessly across public, private, and foreign fund categories.

    With this appointment, The Wealth Company signals its intention to play the long game backed by a strategist who knows the terrain better than most.

  • Consumr.ai ropes in Jaishree Agrawal to power its AI Twins play

    Consumr.ai ropes in Jaishree Agrawal to power its AI Twins play

    MUMBAI: Consumr.ai, the fast-rising consumer intelligence disruptor, has appointed Jaishree Agrawal as commercial lead – consumer insights to supercharge adoption of its flagship product, AI Twins — digital replicas of consumer behaviour that simulate decisions and fast-track brand growth.

    A veteran with over 16 years in market research, Jaishree joins from NielsenIQ BASES, where she was celebrated for commercial excellence and aligning insights to real-world business wins for Indian and global brands.

    At Consumr.ai, she will lead commercial strategy and client partnerships, helping brands ditch dated surveys in favour of real-time, always-on, AI-powered intelligence. The platform’s AI Twins offer marketers the ability to simulate purchase decisions, test creatives, optimise media, and validate innovations, all before going to market.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Jaishree to the Consumr.ai family,” said Consumr.ai co-founder Vivek Bhargava. “Her depth of experience and consultative approach is a perfect fit as we build a platform that serves as a real-time, always-on research engine for brands. Jaishree will be instrumental in helping marketers unlock the full potential of AI Twins across business functions.”

    After debuting in the US, the platform has expanded into India, the Middle East, and Australia, with an eye on becoming the global benchmark in AI-native decision intelligence.

    Jaishree’s appointment marks a bold step in Consumr.ai’s mission to marry insight with innovation and replace traditional research with tools that think (and react) as fast as the consumer.

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  • TBWAIndia ropes in Abhishek Chaturvedi to head north ops

    TBWAIndia ropes in Abhishek Chaturvedi to head north ops

    MUMBAI: TBWAIndia has appointed Abhishek Chaturvedi as executive vice president and branch head – Gurgaon, handing him the reins of the agency’s northern command centre.

    Reporting to Namrata Nandan, chief business officer, Chaturvedi will drive the creative, strategic and operational vision for the office, blending disruptive thinking with commercial muscle, and uniting people, purpose and performance under one roof.

    A 20-year veteran of the creative and digital trenches, Chaturvedi has played lead roles at Digitas, McCann, Ogilvy, and most recently as SVP and head of strategy at Edelman India. He’s the brain behind memorable brand narratives, from Voltas’ Murthy to Saffola’s wellness push and Zomato’s urban bite.

    Armed with a marketing degree and a background in psychology, Chaturvedi balances brand playbooks with books on inner journeys. When he’s not plotting business strategies, he’s plotting vegetables tending to his farm on Gurgaon’s edge, or hitting the highway for a thinking drive.

    “We are delighted to have Abhishek join us as the Head of our North operations. He brings with him not just a sharp strategic mind and a rich background in brand building, but also a deep understanding of how to connect data-led insights with meaningful storytelling. As we look to accelerate our momentum in Gurgaon, I believe his presence will help unlock new possibilities for both our clients and our teams. Just as importantly, Abhishek’s ability to inspire people and foster a strong cultural vision will be key in shaping a high-performing, future-ready office,” said TBWA India CEO Govind Pandey.

    Speaking on his new appointment, Abhishek said, “TBWA pairs worldwide disruption muscle with a start-up hunger. My early focus is simple – fuel our people with clear purpose and clear data, then let them punch above their weight for every client.”

    As TBWA sharpens its edge in India’s north, Chaturvedi’s appointment signals a move to blend strategic clarity with cultural depth, true to the agency’s call to disrupt, not decorate.