ITV

Category: People

  • Cushman taps retail ace Sona Aggarwal to lead APAC’s shopfront strategy

    Cushman taps retail ace Sona Aggarwal to lead APAC’s shopfront strategy

    MUMBAI: She’s opened stores, managed cross-border teams, and built brands now she’s opening new doors for Cushman & Wakefield. Cushman & Wakefield has appointed retail veteran Sona Aggarwal as managing director, head of retail sales and strategy, Asia Pacific, in a move that signals the real estate giant’s intensified focus on the region’s fast-evolving consumer landscape. Based in Singapore, Sona steps into a newly created role aimed at boosting retail growth across markets and connecting global clients with on-ground insights and solutions.

    Sona brings over 25 years of experience in brand management and retail operations, having launched and scaled 200 plus stores across APAC and led cross-functional teams of 1,300 plus people. Her portfolio spans everything from beauty and apparel to healthcare, home furnishings, and watches, with deep expertise in tailoring go-to-market strategies for diverse local markets.

    “This is a significant appointment for our retail business in Asia Pacific,” said Tenant Representation chief executive for India and SEA & APAC Anshul Jain. “Sona brings a client-side view sharpened by years at iconic global retail brands giving us the edge we need to evolve with the times.”

    In her new role, Sona will spearhead Cushman & Wakefield’s APAC retail strategy, working closely with local teams to expand client partnerships and integrate the firm’s global retail insights with local execution. The focus: to unlock growth in both mature and emerging markets, and build a sustainable, future-ready retail platform.

    “Retail has never been more dynamic,” Sona said. “Demographically and psychographically, the APAC region is undergoing a seismic shift. With a rising middle class, young digital natives, and a booming appetite for global and homegrown brands, this market is ripe with opportunity.”

    She also pointed to outbound momentum: “The Western world is discovering Asia in new ways whether it’s in health and beauty, wellness, hospitality or F&B. At the same time, we’re seeing a tech-driven surge in categories like Auto and EV, and a growing need for differentiated luxury and financial experiences to match the rise of high-net-worth consumers.”

    Sona’s mission? To stitch together Cushman & Wakefield’s operational scale, talent and data insights with local understanding to deliver retail strategies that are not just globally informed but culturally attuned.

    As the lines between physical and digital retail blur, and consumption patterns evolve at warp speed, Cushman & Wakefield is betting on leaders who understand both the shop floor and the boardroom. And in Sona Aggarwal, they’ve found someone who’s fluent in both.

  • Canon India brings two power lenses into focus with new Cinema EOS Ambassadors onboard

    Canon India brings two power lenses into focus with new Cinema EOS Ambassadors onboard

    MUMBAI: In a move that blends art with optics, Canon India has rolled out the red carpet for two of the country’s most accomplished visual storytellers. The brand announced on 23 June 2025 the onboarding of Kiran Deohans and Sudhir Koushik as its newest Canon Cinema EOS Ambassadors, adding weight to its commitment to championing cinematic brilliance across India.

    With careers that span decades and formats, both Deohans and Koushik bring unmatched industry experience to Canon’s expanding creator community. Known for his iconic work in mainstream cinema, Deohan’s lens has shaped classics such as Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Jodhaa Akbar, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. His portfolio also boasts over 1,500 commercials and a membership in the Indian Society of Cinematographers. Koushik, meanwhile, has been the man behind the camera for India’s biggest unscripted entertainment hits, from Kaun Banega Crorepati to The Great Indian Kapil Show and MTV Hustle.

    “At Canon, we see cinematography not just as a technical pursuit, but as a cultural force. The stories being told today whether through a feature film, a reality show, or a digital series are shaping how we view the world. Our aim is to support and empower storytellers who are redefining these narratives. Kiran Deohans and Sudhir Koushik bring immense experience and creative integrity to the table, and we are thrilled to have them as ambassadors of Canon’s larger vision for visual storytelling in India”, said Canon India Imaging Communication Business Centre assistant director Vishesh Magoo.

    “Cinema is not just about capturing visuals; it’s about shaping culture, evoking emotion, and preserving memory. Canon has always understood that storytelling is as much a craft as it is a responsibility. I’m excited to be part of a brand that empowers creators not just with cutting-edge tools, but with a deep commitment to shaping the future of Indian cinema”, said Deohans.

    “What sets Canon apart is not just its products, but its purpose. The brand truly believes in elevating the art of cinematography not just through innovation, but by creating a platform for collaboration and creativity. As someone who has seen this industry evolve from analog to digital, it’s heartening to partner with a brand that evolves with us, not just for us”, added Koushik.

    Through its Cinema EOS Ambassador Program, Canon has created a talent-powered platform that brings together filmmakers, cinematographers, and content creators under a shared mission of visual mastery. Ambassadors serve as product consultants, mentors, and evangelists, offering insights and support across genres, languages, and screens big and small.

    With Deohans and Koushik stepping into ambassadorial roles, Canon is banking on creative synergy to not only advance its cinema product line but also help foster a more collaborative, craft-driven industry narrative.

  • Liji Godbole exits Balaji Telefilms, signs off as group HR Head after stint in senior leadership

    Liji Godbole exits Balaji Telefilms, signs off as group HR Head after stint in senior leadership

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms has seen a key leadership shuffle. Liji Godbole, who led the company’s human resources vertical as group head – HR, officially stepped down on 20 June 2025. Her resignation, attributed to a decision to pursue other career opportunities, was confirmed by the company in a formal stock exchange filing to BSE and NSE.

    In her letter addressed to the group CEO and group CFO dated April 25, Godbole expressed gratitude to the board, senior management and colleagues for their support during her tenure. “I hereby tender my resignation from the position of group head – HR of the Company to pursue other career opportunities outside the Company”, she wrote.

    The move, in line with regulatory requirements, was disclosed under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, and SEBI’s July 2023 circular that mandates transparency in senior personnel changes.

    Balaji Telefilms stated that Godbole’s association with the firm had ended and confirmed that the update has been uploaded on the company’s website. While no successor has been named yet, the development reflects ongoing flux within the television and digital content production house that has long been synonymous with Indian soap opera dominance.

    With no directorial linkages involved, the resignation stands purely professional and voluntary. The company did not release any statement on a potential replacement or organisational restructuring within the HR function.

    The last few months have seen Balaji Telefilms tighten its internal governance and streamline departments amid industry-wide shifts in content consumption patterns and platform distribution.

    While Godbole’s next chapter remains under wraps, her exit adds another page to the story of India’s rapidly evolving entertainment workforce.

  • Tata Motors’ Shubhranshu Singh earns spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of world’s top CMOs at Cannes

    Tata Motors’ Shubhranshu Singh earns spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of world’s top CMOs at Cannes

    MUMBAI: Some marketers chase trends.

    Others shape them.

    At the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Forbes tipped its hat to the latter by naming Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles CMO Shubhranshu Singh to its coveted World’s Most Influential CMOs list. Singh’s inclusion marks a high point in a career defined by strategic clarity, brand building, and sharp cultural insight.

    Forbes announced the list this week, spotlighting global marketing leaders who go beyond campaigns to redefine culture, drive purpose, and deliver business impact. It assessed contenders on digital engagement, campaign effectiveness, media visibility, and community resonance—placing Singh among the likes of Apple’s Greg Joswiak, Google’s Lorraine Twohill, and L’Oréal’s Asmita Dubey.

    “Being named to the Forbes World’s Most Influential CMOs List is more than an accolade—it is a recognition of marketing’s evolving role as a driver of business value, social relevance, and global reputation. CMOs on this list are not only architects of brand strategy but also leaders who influence culture, champion innovation, and create lasting business impact across industries and geographies”, Forbes noted.

    Known for leading transformative brand campaigns at Tata Motors, Singh has positioned the commercial vehicle division as a symbol of trust and innovation. His digital-first approach and focus on aligning business goals with societal narratives have drawn industry-wide admiration. His leadership reflects the new breed of marketers—part strategist, part storyteller, and full-time change-maker.

    “Shubhranshu Singh, stalwart marketeer, columnist and thought leader currently serving as chief marketing officer of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, has been named to this year’s prestigious list, placing him among the most influential voices in global marketing today”, the announcement added.

    Singh’s recent appointment to the inaugural board of the Effie Lions Foundation further signals his growing influence. The nonprofit, headquartered in New York, aims to nurture diverse marketing talent worldwide. As a board member, Singh will help shape the future of industry leadership with a lens on inclusivity and global impact.

    “As a member of the board of directors, he will have a unique opportunity to: Have a voice in shaping the marketing industry’s future talent; Help ensure that the marketing industry attracts the diverse talent needed for its future success”, said the foundation.

    Over the last decade, Forbes’ annual list has recognised the likes of Disney’s Asad Ayaz, Coca-Cola’s Manolo Arroyo, and Netflix’s Marian Lee—each redefining how brands connect with a fast-evolving world. Singh’s addition not only adds an Indian voice to that conversation, but underscores the rising global relevance of purpose-led marketing from the subcontinent.

  • Citiustech names Navneet Khandelwal as CFO to sharpen numbers, strategy and compliance game

    Citiustech names Navneet Khandelwal as CFO to sharpen numbers, strategy and compliance game

    MUMBAI: There’s nothing like a good spreadsheet to keep things in order—and Navneet Khandelwal knows how to balance more than just the books. The seasoned finance leader, who has spent the better part of 25 years navigating the numbers behind India’s IT services boom, has now taken the financial reins at healthcare tech firm Citiustech.

    His new title? Chief financial officer—and the job comes with no shortage of decimal points or strategic decisions.

    Citiustech confirmed Khandelwal’s appointment this week, signalling a sharper focus on fiscal rigour and operational clarity. As CFO, he now leads the company’s global finance, legal, and compliance functions—areas that have grown increasingly complex with Citiustech’s expanding global footprint.

    Navneet brings deep expertise in financial management, controllership, accounting, business process transformation, mergers & acquisitions, acquisition integration, and investor relations.

    Khandelwal started his career at Wipro Technologies and remained there for 16 years, rising through the ranks across audit, controllership, and business finance, eventually serving as VP – finance. He then served as CFO at several major firms, including ITC Infotech, Microland, and Zensar Technologies—both listed and unlisted—adding depth to his financial repertoire.

    Known for transforming processes without breaking the flow, Khandelwal has consistently led initiatives focused on strategic growth and performance efficiency. He has built finance teams from the ground up and led merger integrations with a steady hand.

    The appointment comes as healthcare IT companies face rising compliance expectations, global expansion challenges, and pressure to deliver value in a shifting regulatory climate. With Khandelwal on board, Citiustech seems to be hedging its bets on someone who doesn’t just crunch numbers—but also knows how to navigate them with purpose.

  • Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    MUMBAI: Karan Johar’s latest role doesn’t come with a megaphone or a film set—it comes with a mirror. The renowned Hindi cinema filmmaker has been named the official brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat, India’s first immersive platform designed to help brides-to-be navigate the emotional terrain of marriage beyond the glitz of the big day.

    The announcement marked a unique crossover of cinema, self-reflection and ceremonial celebration. The Bridal Retreat, conceptualised by E-Factor Experiences Limited, aims to offer brides a five-day wellness-infused journey with movement therapy, communication coaching, identity workshops and cultural reflection sessions. The idea is simple: prep for the vows, yes, but start with a vow to oneself.

    “I’ve spent years telling love stories through cinema—but The Bridal Retreat is about the story behind the scenes”, said Johar. “It’s not about perfect weddings—it’s about preparing women for what comes after. This retreat offers a rare opportunity: a chance for brides to meet themselves before the world meets the bride”.

    Johar’s involvement brings cultural cachet and emotional heft to the project. Known for his cinematic takes on love, longing, and personal evolution, the partnership aligns with his interest in identity and introspection—this time, off-screen.

    The first-of-its-kind initiative is led by co-founders Manika Garg and Sonali Thakore, and will span key Indian metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Goa through 2025. Participation is capped to ensure each bride receives one-on-one guidance and deep personal engagement.

    E-Factor Experiences MD Samit Garg explained the intent behind the venture, “The Bridal Retreat is not just a concept—it’s a commitment. It recognises that while weddings are important milestones, what truly shapes a woman’s journey is how she enters this new phase—mindfully, emotionally equipped, and in tune with her sense of self”.

    Designed to create meaningful change, the retreat will feature thought leaders from fashion, mental health, storytelling, and relationship coaching. It aims to offer not only tips for trousseau but tools for transformation.

    What started as an elevated bridal experience is quickly shaping into a social movement. The Bridal Retreat signals a shift from choreographed dances and couture fittings to inner clarity and emotional grounding. As Johar puts it, the real story starts not at the altar but within.

  • Nikhil Kamath invests in One Hand Clap to support new-age brand storytelling in India

    Nikhil Kamath invests in One Hand Clap to support new-age brand storytelling in India

    MUMBAI: In a fresh twist to the Indian advertising playbook, Zerodha co-founder and a prominent investor Nikhil Kamath has put his weight behind One Hand Clap Media — a rising creative agency founded by former AIB heads Aakash Shah and Naveed Manakkodan.

    Kamath’s investment marks a vote of confidence in the agency’s mission to build content-first, digital-native storytelling that moves at the speed of the internet. In a marketplace where traditional campaigns are losing steam, One Hand Clap’s high-impact narratives and lightning-fast execution have made it a go-to name for Indian brands that want relevance and recall.

    Known for their campaigns for Swiggy, BGMI, Netflix India, Bumble, Cred, Ather, Emotorad, and Prime Video India, the agency has carved a reputation for weaving story with speed. From writing and producing ad films to running influencer and digital mandates, One Hand Clap offers end-to-end creative firepower.

    “Nikhil gets our DNA, and our visions align,” said One Hand Clap co-founder Shah. “We both never cared for the status quo; we have always aimed to disrupt it, defy the metrics and algorithms to tell stories, not just campaigns for our clients”.

    Co-founder Manakkodan added, “Nikhil’s investment validates our thesis that in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, speed and authentic storytelling are paramount. This partnership fuels our ambition to redefine the agency model, delivering impactful creative solutions with unparalleled agility”.

    For Kamath, the deal is part of a wider plan to back India’s rising creative and entrepreneurial talent. “Through this partnership, Kamath is betting not just on content but on the creators driving the next wave of Indian brand-building”, the company noted.

    The creative agency space is seeing a churn, with speed, relatability and innovation becoming non-negotiables. One Hand Clap’s sharp creative engine, coupled with Kamath’s entrepreneurial acumen, signals a new wave in adland where business meets culture, and memes could be just as powerful as media buys.
     

  • Vertiv appoints Mike Giresi as global CIO to turbocharge AI and digital strategy

    Vertiv appoints Mike Giresi as global CIO to turbocharge AI and digital strategy

    MUMBAI: In a move that signals its intent to double down on AI and digital transformation, Vertiv has roped in industry veteran Mike Giresi as its global chief information officer (CIO). Giresi, who takes charge on 30 June 2025, will lead the company’s push into AI adoption, cybersecurity, product security, and digital productivity initiatives aimed at sharpening execution and customer experience.

    The NYSE-listed digital infrastructure player is betting big on AI-powered resilience and smarter operations, and Giresi is expected to be at the centre of this strategic shift. With over three decades of IT experience—20 of which have been in top leadership roles across Molex, Aramark, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Tory Burch and Godiva Chocolatier—he brings the right mix of scale, speed, and savvy.

    “Strong digital and IT vision and execution are central to our strategy to continue to lead the industry and constantly augment the value we are delivering to our customers”, said Vertiv CEO Giordano (Gio) Albertazzi. “Mike deeply understands the opportunities of a rapidly evolving AI, digital and IT space and has the experience, the executional focus and expertise to reinforce our competitive advantages”.

    Excited about the challenge, Giresi said, “I am excited to join Vertiv, helping the global teams to create accretive value through advancement of company digital strategy initiatives. By continuing to evolve and improve Vertiv customer experience, product development and manufacturing capabilities, we will take the next steps towards enabling accelerated adoption of AI and digitisation for hyperscale, enterprise and edge customers”.

    At his most recent post as Molex CDO, Giresi led major digital pivots for the consumer electronics company. His résumé includes stints as CIO at Aramark, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Tory Burch and Direct Brands, where he played key roles in shaping IT systems that supported high-stakes, global operations.

    Giresi holds an executive MBA from Saint Joseph’s University – Erivan K. Haub School of Business, and a BA in English and Information Systems from Seton Hall University.

    With the announcement, Vertiv has made clear it intends to not just ride the AI wave but lead it, bringing both resilience and ROI into sharper focus through tech-backed leadership.

  • Metafusion plugs in Avinash Trivedi to supercharge growth ops

    Metafusion plugs in Avinash Trivedi to supercharge growth ops

    MUMBAI: Vision AI specialist Metafusion has named Avinash Trivedi as its new chief growth officer, charging him with ramping up the company’s go-to-market strategy, scaling enterprise adoption, and unlocking new global partnerships across traffic, safety, and urban intelligence.

    Trivedi brings over 20 years of hard-won experience in video surveillance, SaaS, and smart infrastructure, with deep roots in high-growth markets across APAC, the Middle East and Europe.

    He joins Metafusion from Zygal, where he led sales and business development as president — driving expansion into VSaaS (Video Surveillance-as-a-Service) and Command Center-as-a-Service models. His resume also features senior leadership roles at Videonetics, Sony India, and Score Information Technologies, building high-performance growth pipelines.

    At Metafusion, Trivedi will take charge of revenue acceleration across its flagship AI product suite — from Metavisio (video intelligence) and Metatraffic (smart traffic management) to PixelFACE (facial recognition) and fuseNETS, a collaborative vision research platform.

    The appointment comes as Metafusion steps on the gas, expanding rapidly into smart city projects, traffic ecosystems, enterprise security, and intelligent highways.

    “I am excited to join Metafusion at such a pivotal moment in its journey,” said Metafusion chief growth officer Avinash Trivedi. “What drew me in was the vision and the clarity of purpose. We are shaping the digital nervous system for safer cities, smarter transport, and more responsive infrastructure. I look forward to partnering with our customers, team, and ecosystem to scale meaningful impact.”

    Metafusion founder & CEO Yatin Kavishwar added, “Avinash brings the right blend of enterprise acumen, GTM rigour, and industry foresight that aligns with our mission. As we scale our AI capabilities across sectors, his leadership will be instrumental in building new growth frontiers and deepening trust with our customers and partners globally.”

    Co-founded by Kavishwar, Saransh Karira, and Manish Soni, the company is carving out a niche at the intersection of generative AI, computer vision, NLP, and big data — decoding video, audio and metadata in real time to deliver actionable insights across industries.

    With Trivedi now in the cockpit, Metafusion seems primed to go from smart to unstoppable.

     

  • Cannes Lions: Amazon boss Andy Jassy to receive media person of the year award this evening

    Cannes Lions: Amazon boss Andy Jassy to receive media person of the year award this evening

    CANNES: Amazon president & CEO Andy Jassy –  who was announced as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Media Person of the Year Award on 16 June – will take to the stage at the Debussy Theatre today  in the Palais des Festivals  in Cannes, for a fireside chat, before being presented with the accolade  during the awards show later this evening.

    The 2025 media person of the year award recognises an individual who has made a significant impact on the creative communications industry and who stands as an influential figure within the global media landscape.

    The media person of the year award is given to those who not only excel within the media industry but also drive innovation, creativity and a forward-thinking vision that shapes the future of media. Andy Jassy’s leadership at Amazon has been instrumental in transforming the company into one of the most influential and innovative media platforms in the world.

    Lions chair Philip Thomas at the time of making the announcement had said: “Historically, each year, Cannes Lions has honoured outstanding leaders who have reshaped the media industry. This year, we are proud to recognise Andy Jassy and the entire Amazon organisation. Not only is Amazon the largest media platform globally, but it has also set new standards for scale, creativity, and influence, effectively creating a new model for media. Andy’s visionary leadership continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in media, and we are excited to honour him for his extraordinary contributions.”

    Past recipients include notable figures such as Salar Kamangar of YouTube, Jack Dorsey of Twitter, Eric Schmidt of Google, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, and Steve Ballmer of Microsoft.