ITV

Category: People

  • Amit Srivastava joins India Chambers to spearhead rural nutraceutical revolution

    Amit Srivastava joins India Chambers to spearhead rural nutraceutical revolution

    MUMBAI: India Chambers has named Nutrify Today CEO Amit Srivastava to the governing board of its Rural Economic Forum, marking a strategic move to turbocharge the One India Project’s rural innovation engine.

    The appointment, announced on 12 June, places Srivastava at the heart of India’s effort to revolutionise its agrarian economy through technology, sustainable practices, and data-driven decision-making. The forum, helmed by India Chambers president & CEO Nitin Pangotra, is set to unleash economic opportunities across the country’s rural heartland.

    Srivastava enters the role with a proven playbook. His work at Nutrify Today—particularly the development of NutrifyGenie AI—has drawn international acclaim. The AI platform, designed for precision in nutraceutical supply chains, now powers research recognised by leading academic publishers such as Elsevier.

    “These homegrown innovations demonstrate India’s emergence as a global nutraceutical science hub”, said Pangotra. “Amit’s dedication to responsible nutritional science and his success in democratising supply chains make him the ideal leader to help us scale this $3 trillion rural food-tech and nutraceutical ecosystem”.

    Srivastava’s mandate includes deploying AI-driven traceability tools for crop sourcing, mobilising smallholder farmers for high-value organic cultivation, and collaborating with institutions like IIT Kanpur and ICMR to develop a national nutritional security infrastructure. He will also help scale GauVan, a carbon sequestration initiative blending sustainable livelihoods with climate resilience.

    India’s nutraceutical sector has grown tenfold in a decade, ballooning from $2 billion in 2015 to $20 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 13.5 per cent. Srivastava believes the journey is just beginning. “A purpose-driven startup culture has taught us that when the purpose is clear, the path emerges”, he said. “I’m honoured to collaborate with India Chambers, our research partners, and thousands of rural entrepreneurs to accelerate India’s $100 billion nutraceutical mission”.

    Pangotra likened India’s trajectory to the U.S. nutraceutical boom of the early 2000s, stating that India’s pharma legacy and rising biotech clusters now offer it a chance to lead, not follow.

    As Srivastava takes the reins, the Rural Economic Forum aims to transform individual farmers into agri-preneurs and local supply chains into scalable, transparent ecosystems. With the nutraceutical gold rush now underway, India is betting on brains, biotech, and Bharat to lead the way.

  • Timex ticks up its marketing game with Varun Malik at the helm

    Timex ticks up its marketing game with Varun Malik at the helm

    MUMBAI: Timex Group has roped in seasoned marketer Varun Malik as its new general manager – marketing and senior management personnel, aiming to give its brand strategy a timely upgrade.

    Malik was most recently the marketing head at Shalimar Paints, where he spearheaded campaigns to refresh the legacy brand’s visibility and sharpen its competitive edge in the fast-growing paints market. From digital storytelling to GTM blueprints and influencer engagement, Malik’s brushstrokes were all over Shalimar’s recent makeover.

    With over 16 years under his belt, Malik brings deep experience across lifestyle marketing, content, and consumer engagement, having held marketing roles at HyFun Foods, Reebok India, Times of India, DLF, and Samsung. At Timex, he is expected to steer the brand into bolder, buzzier terrain—especially with younger consumers and digital-first strategies.

    For Timex, it’s time to move beyond the tick-tock—and tell bigger brand stories.

  • Sagar Panda Joins Lokal App as Regional Head – Digital Business for West & North India

    Sagar Panda Joins Lokal App as Regional Head – Digital Business for West & North India

    MUMBAI: Sagar Panda has joined Lokal App as Regional Head – Digital Business – West & North India Market. With nearly two decades of experience in the media and advertising industry, Sagar brings a wealth of knowledge in integrated digital media sales, Branded content advertising, and business development.

    He joins the Publisher Platform from Sakal Media Group after working as Regional Business (West & South) for more than a year. Sagar Panda posted about this development on his LinkedIn profile.

    Previously, Sagar served as Associate Director – Growth & Partnership at Zee5. Over the course of his career, he has held leadership and sales roles across several well-known organizations including Zee Entertainment, Sakal Media Group, The Hindu Group of Publication, India Television, Network18 Media, and Dalal Street Investment Journal.

    Sagar Panda comes with more than 15+ years of experience contributing to organisations namely Zee Entertainment (Zee5), Sakal Media, The Hindu Group, India Television, News18 and Dalal Street Investment Journal.

    Sagar’s areas of expertise span Advertising, Online Ad Sales (Display & Programmatic), Brand Solution Sales, Native Content Sales, Sponsorship-driven IPs, Concept Selling, Direct Sales, and Revenue Forecasting. His comprehensive experience also includes team building and management and consistently achieving revenue targets across traditional and digital platforms.

  • Yusuf Batliwala joins Hero Esports as global partnerships head

    Yusuf Batliwala joins Hero Esports as global partnerships head

    MUMBAI: It’s a power move in the world of competitive gaming. Yusuf Batliwala has been appointed senior director for global partnerships at Hero Esports, bringing with him nearly two decades of cross-continental experience across entertainment, media, and gaming. Based out of Singapore, Batliwala officially took charge in June 2025.

    Batliwala’s new role will see him leading Hero Esports’ global partnership strategy forging collaborations, securing brand alliances, and expanding the company’s footprint in international markets. With esports exploding into a mainstream spectacle, Hero Esports appears to be stacking its deck with strategic firepower.

    Before joining Hero Esports, Batliwala served as senior sponsorship strategist for the Esports World Cup Riyadh 2024, a high-stakes tournament that cemented Saudi Arabia’s place on the global esports map. He was previously associate director for strategic partnerships at Singtel, where he shaped digital entertainment initiatives across Southeast Asia. His diverse experience also includes stints with Bytedance, BBC, and Getty Images.

    Having worn multiple hats from content sales and sponsorships to strategic partnerships and business development Batliwala is no stranger to navigating the fast-evolving intersections of media, tech, and culture.

    With Hero Esports expanding rapidly across Asia, Batliwala’s appointment signals the company’s ambition to level up its global playbook. As esports matures into a billion-dollar business, industry insiders will be watching closely to see how Batliwala’s deal-making and brand-building expertise helps unlock the next phase of Hero’s journey.

    Game face on the global esports arena just got a little more interesting.

  • Kaunsal takes centre screen as NMH’s new marketing head

    Kaunsal takes centre screen as NMH’s new marketing head

    MUMBAI: From customer care cubicles to commanding campaigns Ajit Singh Kaunsal’s journey has come full stream. Kaunsal has been appointed as vice president & head of marketing at New Media Holding (NMH), a move he confirmed via a Linkedin post. In his new role, he will helm the marketing strategy for one of India’s most dynamic digital media ecosystems home to brands like One Digital Entertainment, Blush, Being Indian, Instant Bollywood, and Social Nation, among others.

    With over 20 years of experience in media, research, and digital growth, Kaunsal brings a toolkit honed across major media houses. Most recently, he spent five years at MX Player, navigating the platform through intense competition in the OTT space. Before that, he clocked nearly six years at Sony Pictures Networks India, where he shaped digital and analytics strategies for SonyLIV, helping steer its early digital transition.

    But it wasn’t all front row from the start. Kaunsal began his career in 2005 as a customer service agent at First Source Pvt. Ltd., before stints at Harapa International and TAM Media Research. That hands-on foundation spanning data, customer experience, and content makes him a uniquely well-rounded fit for a company as multifaceted as NMH.

    NMH, with its diverse play across content, creators, and commerce, is at the centre of India’s evolving media zeitgeist. Kaunsal’s appointment signals a sharper focus on marketing leadership as the company scales its brand ecosystem and influence in pop culture and the creator economy.

    In a digital-first world where attention is currency, Kaunsal’s brief is clear: keep NMH at the top of feed and mind.

  • Havas Media India shakes up leadership ranks with bold new moves

    Havas Media India shakes up leadership ranks with bold new moves

    MUMBAI: Havas Media India is mixing things up at the top, elevating a clutch of seasoned insiders in a bid to fuel its growth spurt and flex its media muscle.

    Ramsai Panchapakesan, a media maven with 28 years under his belt, has been bumped up to president – investments & partnerships. Since joining the agency in July 2024, Ramsai has been steering the ship on integrated investment strategy and scaling up client alliances across the board.

    Meanwhile, managing partner – investments & buying is now the new badge for Binu Thomas. A Havas veteran of nearly two decades, Binu’s got a sharp nose for investment strategy and a track record of wrangling performance-driven outcomes across sectors.

    Also stepping into the limelight is Manish Sharma, who takes over as president – Arena India, the specialised arm under Havas Media Network India. Over the past nine years, Manish has built a reputation for crafting content-first client engagement strategies, driving growth for big-ticket names like Kia, Bumble, Realme, Zupee, and Kajaria Tiles.

    Commenting on the development, Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “Ramsai, Binu, and Manish have been instrumental in driving our investment and business strategy, unlocking consistent growth for our clients and the network. Their expertise, leadership, and commitment to innovation continue to shape the success story of Havas Media. I am confident that in their new roles, they will further accelerate our progress and deepen our market leadership.”

    Havas Media India COO Uday Mohan added, “These well-deserved elevations reflect the strength and depth of our leadership team. Ramsai and Binu have been the backbone of our investment function, while Manish has led Arena India with great vision and execution. Their contributions embody the Havas ethos of Meaningful Media, and I look forward to collaborating closely with them as we steer the next phase of growth.”

    The elevations are in line with Havas Media’s continued focus on empowering internal talent and scaling leadership across core and emerging verticals.

  • DriveX shifts gears with Vipin Yadav as head of marketing

    DriveX shifts gears with Vipin Yadav as head of marketing

    MUMBAI: Marketing in the fast lane, DriveX puts Vipin Yadav in the driver’s seat. DriveX Mobility, the TVS Motor Company–backed disruptor in India’s booming pre-owned two-wheeler market, has turbocharged its leadership by appointing Vipin Yadav as Vice President and head of marketing. With over 17 years of experience building consumer brands, Yadav’s arrival signals a clear intent: to take the DriveX brand from showroom to stardom.

    In his new role, Yadav will spearhead omnichannel marketing, brand strategy, digital innovation and customer engagement key ingredients in DriveX’s vision to scale up to 500 outlets by 2027.

    Before hitching a ride with DriveX, Yadav was the marketing director at Hisense India and head of marketing at Toshiba TV. But his longest and perhaps most high-octane stint was with OPPO India, where he played a pivotal role in building the brand’s identity and accelerating market share during its growth sprint.

    “This is more than marketing. It’s about reimagining trust in a segment that’s ripe for disruption,” said Yadav. “DriveX isn’t just selling refurbished two-wheelers. It’s crafting a bold new mobility experience and I’m here to make sure India hears that story.”

    Known for balancing creativity with data, Yadav has contributed to marketing forums and jury panels, while also sharing his insights at institutions like IIT Delhi and Symbiosis Pune. He holds dual MBAs in Marketing from International Management Institute (Europe) and the Indian Institute of Planning & Management, alongside a Bachelor’s in Commerce from the University of Delhi.

    Welcoming him aboard, DriveX founder & director Narain Karthikeyan said, “Vipin understands the pulse of Indian consumers and knows how to convert insight into impact. His leadership will be crucial as we scale operations and deepen our connect with riders across the country.”

    With the Indian mobility space revving up, Yadav’s entry at DriveX feels less like a pitstop and more like a high-speed overtaking manoeuvre one that’s aimed squarely at pole position.
     

  • Siddhartha Vachaspati resigns as sales leader from P&G

    Siddhartha Vachaspati resigns as sales leader from P&G

    MUMBAI: Siddhartha Vachaspati, one of Procter & Gamble’s most seasoned sales leaders, is set to exit the company on 30 June 2025, drawing curtains on a 21-year tenure that saw him helm P&G’s Rs 1,200 crore health care business and lead a 1,000-strong sales force across India.

    Known for his deep command over FMCG, OTC, and pharma markets, Vachaspati’s career has been a masterclass in commercial leadership – spanning P&L ownership, trade marketing, GTM strategies, and post-M&A transitions for global giants like P&G, Unilever, Henkel Spic, and Gillette.

    With a résumé that criss-crosses India, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, he’s navigated everything from general trade to e-commerce, pharmacy to military channels, and key accounts to B2B.

    The company confirmed his resignation to the Bombay stock exchange through a regulatory filing, adding that Vachaspati will be moving on to pursue interests outside P&G. As he signs off, he leaves behind a legacy of scale, strategy, and shopper smarts – a sales playbook few can rival.

  • Tenon FM elevates Ankur Sachdev to CEO as it eyes next-gen growth

    Tenon FM elevates Ankur Sachdev to CEO as it eyes next-gen growth

    MUMBAI: Tenon Group has named Ankur Sachdev as the new chief executive officer of Tenon FM, its facility management arm, in a leadership move that signals a sharper focus on tech, scale, and bottom-line muscle.

    A Tenon veteran since 2008, Ankur brings nearly two decades of experience in FM and security services, having risen through the ranks after his start at Peregrine Guarding, the group’s flagship security venture. Prior to that, he held roles at Sodexo FM India and is an MBA by training.

    Ankur now takes the wheel at a pivotal juncture as Tenon FM pushes for deeper digital integration, client-centric innovation, and international expansion. His remit includes beefing up operational efficiency, strengthening the P&L, and leading the charge across both domestic and overseas markets.

    Commenting on the appointment, Tenon Group global chairman Major Manjit Rajain said, “Ankur has played a pivotal role in the Group’s journey, and his elevation reflects our commitment to nurturing leadership that truly understands our DNA. His deep industry expertise, unwavering focus on operational excellence, and proven track record of securing and retaining marquee clients make him the ideal leader to steer Tenon FM into its next phase of growth.”

    He further added that this leadership move reaffirms Tenon Group’s commitment to innovation, continuity, and excellence in integrated service delivery.

    Reflecting on his appointment, Sachdev said, “It is an honour to lead Tenon FM during such a transformative period for the facility management industry. I look forward to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, fostering strong client relationships, and driving sustainable, profitable growth across India and global markets.”

    With presence across India, the UK, Singapore, and Germany, Tenon FM is positioning itself as a future-ready player in integrated services—and Ankur’s elevation is a clear play to make that ambition real.

  • Greaves Electric Mobility shifts gears with Vikas Singh as new managing director

    Greaves Electric Mobility shifts gears with Vikas Singh as new managing director

    MUMBAI: Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd (GEML), the EV arm of Greaves Cotton, has plugged in fresh leadership with the appointment of Vikas Singh as its new managing director, effective 2 June. He takes the wheel just as India’s EV market hits the fast lane.

    With a career that cuts across India’s most dynamic consumer sectors and a knack for navigating regulated terrain, Singh is expected to inject agility and momentum into GEML’s next growth sprint. He steps in to lead the current management team, tasked with scaling up the company’s vision of making smart, sustainable mobility accessible to every Indian.

    An alumnus of FMS, University of Delhi, Singh has held senior roles across Indian and global firms, bringing with him a playbook of transformation, growth, and grit.

    “In line with our long-term strategic vision and continued focus on strengthening leadership for  future growth, the Board of Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd has approved the appointment of  Mr. Vikas Singh as managing director, effective June 2, 2025,” Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd.

    The move signals GEML’s deepening commitment to democratising e-mobility — a sector now charged with innovation, policy tailwinds and rising mass appeal. With Singh at the helm, Greaves is clearly betting on experience meeting acceleration.