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Category: People

  • Chirag Alawadhi takes the leap from agency life to advisory heights

    Chirag Alawadhi takes the leap from agency life to advisory heights

    MUMBAI: From pitch decks to knowledge stacks Chirag Alawadhi is switching gears, not goodbye notes. After nearly a decade in the trenches of digital marketing, Chirag Alawadhi has stepped down as co-founder and CEO of The Leapfrog Network, closing a chapter that began in December 2021. But don’t expect another agency launch. Instead, Alawadhi is taking a wider lens approach diving into content ecosystems, strategic consulting, and marketing tech for a new generation of brands and builders.

    Alawadhi announced his decision on LinkedIn, marking the end of a journey that started as a solo founder and scaled into a full-fledged creative agency. “After 9 years of building businesses, I’m now focused on building the infrastructure and knowledge systems that will empower the next generation of marketers and entrepreneurs,” he wrote.

    His résumé reads like a digital marketer’s highlight reel: 1,300 campaigns delivered, over 7 million dollars in revenue generated, and content networks reaching more than 10 million followers. Along the way, he’s partnered with marquee names like Emami, Lenskart, Airtel, Reliance, OTT Play, and Tata Motors.

    What started with basic tools and delayed wins evolved into an agency known for bold campaigns and real community engagement. “This isn’t goodbye to the industry that shaped me, it’s a shift toward deeper impact,” Alawadhi said, reflecting on his departure as a move away from operations and towards enabling transformation at scale.

    His exit also mirrors a growing trend among agency veterans: trading day-to-day grind for advisory and ecosystem-building roles. Alawadhi joins a cohort of leaders looking beyond billing cycles and into future-facing industry infrastructure.

    Under his leadership, The Leapfrog Network carved out a niche in storytelling and strategy. While Alawadhi steps away, the agency rooted in its founding mission to create meaningful brand connections is poised for its next phase under fresh leadership.

    As for Alawadhi? He’s taking the leap again only this time, it’s beyond the agency playbook.

  • Zakir Khan hits the road with India’s biggest comedy tour ever

    Zakir Khan hits the road with India’s biggest comedy tour ever

    MUMBAI: In a blockbuster moment for India’s live entertainment scene, Only Much Louder (OML) and TribeVibe Entertainment, a BookMyShow enterprise, have inked a game-changing deal to roll out Zakir Khan’s biggest-ever stand-up tour—spanning more than 60 cities and reaching 160,000 fans.

    It’s not just the largest comedy tour by an Indian comedian, but also the single biggest deal ever signed in India’s comedy circuit, setting a precedent for scale, structure and star power.

    From metros to mofussils, this laughter caravan will traverse the length and breadth of India, proving that comedy isn’t just an urban indulgence anymore—it’s a mass cultural movement. The partnership blends Zakir’s magnetic stage presence and OML’s talent stewardship with BookMyShow’s data clout and TribeVibe’s grassroots muscle to deliver what could be India’s first truly nationwide comedy experience.

    Shoven Shah

    “This collaboration signals a new form of cultural consumption in India, one that is ambitious in scale, yet grounded in purpose. It’s not just about doing a 60-city tour; it’s about proving that India is ready to host and celebrate live entertainment at this scale across its full breadth. At TribeVibe, we’ve always believed in democratising access to great experiences and Zakir, through his authenticity and connection with audiences, is the perfect artist to lead this vision. Partnering with OML to bring this to life feels like a natural next step in the journey,” said TribeVibe Entertainment founder & CEO  Shoven Shah.

    Zakir Khan, meanwhile, is clear that this is about more than just laughs. “This isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s a celebration of how far Indian stand-up has come. I’m grateful to be doing this with partners who truly believe in the power of homegrown stories and the audiences who’ve made it all possible,” said Zakir. “This tour is not just about performing in 60 cities, it’s about taking the art of Indian stand-up to every corner of the country with the scale and seriousness it truly deserves. For years, we’ve dreamed of comedy being treated like mainstream entertainment, and this partnership is a massive step in that direction. I’ve always believed in building something bigger than myself, and this moment feels like that belief taking centre stage.”

    OML SVP Rishabh Nahar framed the tour as a bold blueprint. Said he: “This tour doesn’t just mark a milestone for Zakir, but serves as a blueprint for the future of Indian live entertainment, bringing live comedy to the cultural and geographic heart of the country. With this partnership, TribeVibe Entertainment and OML hope to lay the groundwork for a touring economy that mirrors the scale, sophistication and ambition of global markets, where data guides decisions, artists build legacies and where audiences everywhere have equal access to transformative cultural experiences.”

    With its eyes set on both major metros and Bharat’s backyards, the tour brings Indian comedy into its most ambitious phase yet.

    And if this deal’s anything to go by, the punchline is simple: local is going live, and laughter is going long haul.

    (Main Picture: Zakir Khan -centre – with the OML team)

  • IAS does the maths right with Alpana Wegner as new CFO

    IAS does the maths right with Alpana Wegner as new CFO

    MUMBAI: Integral Ad Science is crunching the numbers for a new chapter bringing seasoned financial powerhouse Alpana Wegner on board as chief financial officer, effective 10 June 2025. The move adds a strategic edge to IAS’s leadership team, as Wegner steps in to lead the global finance function and report directly to CEO Lisa Utzschneider. She replaces Jill Putman, who has served as Interim CFO since January and will now continue as an independent member of the IAS Board.

    Utzschneider welcomed the new appointment with confidence: “Alpana is a versatile and results-driven leader with deep financial and operational expertise. From M&A to FP&A, she’s done it all at public companies, no less.”

    And indeed, Wegner’s calculator comes with credentials. With over 25 years of financial leadership experience, she most recently served as CFO at Secureworks, where she built a high-performing finance team and helped steer the company through a strategic transformation before its sale. Prior to that, she was the CFO at Benefitfocus and held senior finance roles at cloud tech firm Blackbaud.

    “IAS represents an exciting opportunity to join an industry leader enabling global brands and publishers to drive superior outcomes,” said Wegner, who holds a B.S. in Accounting from Arizona State University. “I’m all in on scaling operations, sharpening profitability, and unlocking IAS’s full growth potential.”

    Her appointment comes at a time when IAS is sharpening its focus on media measurement and ROI optimisation areas where Wegner’s financial acumen is expected to make a tangible impact. With a steady hand on the financial tiller and a sharp eye on long-term value creation, Wegner looks set to add more than just numbers to the IAS playbook she’s bringing the formula for smart growth.

  • Ex-Eightfold AI leader RudraPrasad Nanjundappa joins Kapture CX as CCO to lead AI-driven customer success globally

    Ex-Eightfold AI leader RudraPrasad Nanjundappa joins Kapture CX as CCO to lead AI-driven customer success globally

    MUMBAI: Kapture CX has brought on board RudraPrasad Nanjundappa as its new chief customer officer. The move comes at a time when the company is turbocharging its global expansion across 18 countries, riding on a revenue doubling in FY25 and recent $8 million funding led by Cactus Venture Partners and India Alternatives.

    With a career spanning nearly 23 years, RudraPrasad previously served as regional vice president – professional services at Eightfold AI, where he set up the APAC services team and oversaw enterprise product implementations across APAC and EMEA. His experience also includes leadership roles at Linkedin, Infosys, Cognizant, and a stint as co-founder of a health-tech startup.

    In his new role, RudraPrasad will helm customer success initiatives, lead the deployment of Kapture’s Agentic AI product suite, and drive customer-centric strategies aligned to enterprise outcomes across sectors and geographies.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Rudraprasad to the Kapture CX leadership team”, said Kapture CX CEO & co-founder Sheshgiri Kamath. “His extensive experience and visionary approach to customer success align perfectly with our mission to revolutionise customer experience through innovative technology. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen our customer relationships and drive sustained growth”.

    RudraPrasad added, “Being part of a company which is at the forefront of building an Agentic AI platform to help organisations across the globe redefine and enhance their customer experience is surreal. In my role as the chief customer officer, I look forward to leveraging my diverse experience anchored around customer success to help redefine the experience and value we are delivering to our customers”.

    Kapture CX, which serves over 1,000 enterprise clients, is known for its AI-native CX automation suite. The platform integrates proprietary large language models (LLMs) to power workflows, sentiment analysis, and proactive customer engagement. RudraPrasad’s appointment is expected to further this innovation agenda while sharpening Kapture’s delivery edge.

    “Passionate founders, dynamic team, innovative product suite, tangible results for enterprise clients, expanding business opportunities and challenges of growth stage make this journey incredibly thrilling”, he said.

  • Kumar P V steps into VKC’s top sales role as chief sales officer to lace up expansion across channels

    Kumar P V steps into VKC’s top sales role as chief sales officer to lace up expansion across channels

    MUMBAI: In a move aimed at tightening its grip on the Indian footwear market, VKC has appointed Kumar P V as chief sales officer, tasking him with leading the company’s Channel One business operations. The portfolio spans General Trade, B2B online platforms, and institutional channels.

    With over two and a half decades of sales and marketing experience, Kumar takes the reins at a time when VKC is actively pushing for deeper market penetration and sustained top-line growth. His mandate includes expanding the brand’s footprint across untapped regions, sharpening customer engagement strategies, and boosting productivity across VKC’s distribution channels.

    Kumar previously held leadership positions at some of India’s most recognised names. His career features roles at Cavinkare, Cholayil (Medimix), P&G, Henkel, and Reckitt Benckiser. Most recently, he served as chief sales officer at a fast-growing startup, where he navigated volatile business terrain with a strong hand on sales targets and operational metrics.

    “With Kumar’s appointment, we are doubling down on our growth ambitions for Channel One”, said a VKC spokesperson. “His proven leadership across diverse industries is perfectly suited to scale our operations and deepen customer trust”.

    Kumar’s background also includes extensive work in trade marketing, distribution strategy, and category development across FMCG, personal care, food, snacks, beverages, and OTC pharma.

    As VKC eyes a stronger hold on India’s competitive footwear market, Kumar’s entry signals a fresh drive to outpace rivals on shelf space, sales volume, and supply-chain finesse.

  • Scripted for success Alisha Sharma joins The Script Room as ECD

    Scripted for success Alisha Sharma joins The Script Room as ECD

    With a decade-long résumé that reads like a highlight reel of Indian advertising, Alisha has helped build brands like Spotify, Pepsico’s Lays and Doritos, Amazon, Asian Paints and MP Tourism. From crafting Spotify’s signature Indian tone of voice to rolling out mega-hits like “There’s a Playlist for That” and “Life Kate Mazze Se”, Alisha’s storytelling is anything but on shuffle. Her work has earned nods at the Cannes Lions, One Show, Spikes Asia, Clio Awards and Effies India and she’s judged at the Young Director Awards at Cannes, too.

    In her own words, “You know you’re in the right room when conversations spark ideas and story stays at the centre. I wasn’t just looking for a change, I was waiting for the right place. Now I’m here, excited to shape this room into a house full of stories.”

    That “room” was founded by Rajesh Ramaswamy and Ayyappan Raj, who’ve built a reputation for carving out space in the industry for unapologetically narrative-driven work. Speaking on the hire, Rajesh said, “We really love the way she thinks, it’s a joy to watch her work.” Ayyappan added, “She joins at the perfect time. We’re six years in, and with her, the next phase will be even more exciting. She’s brilliant and everyone already loves her.”

    As The Script Room continues to stake its claim as the go-to shop for fresh, compelling storytelling, Alisha’s arrival feels like the beginning of a new genre part drama, part blockbuster, and all heart. Keep your popcorn ready.

  • Sethi in Stone as SPJ True Realtyy Builds Sales Game Plan

    Sethi in Stone as SPJ True Realtyy Builds Sales Game Plan

    MUMBAI: When it comes to selling spaces, SPJ True Realtyy is laying down a strong foundation starting with its leadership. In a move set to turbocharge its growth ambitions, the Gurugram-based developer has roped in real estate heavyweight Jashanpreet Singh Sethi as senior vice president & head of sales.

    With over 13 years of experience chiselled across India’s leading realty players DLF, Mahindra Lifespaces, M3M, and Omaxe Sethi’s name is as familiar in boardrooms as it is on sales dashboards. His track record? A portfolio of market-expanding strategies and consistently robust revenue deliveries.

    At SPJ True Realtyy, he’ll be entrusted with scaling high-performance teams, driving aggressive revenue targets, and sharpening the brand’s residential and commercial sales playbook. “I’m here to build for the long game, with customer-centricity at the heart of every move,” said Sethi. “The aim is to power SPJ’s growth through data-led strategy, sustainable relationships, and a future-first mindset.”

    Welcoming him on board SPJ True Realtyy executive president Praveen Raina said, “Sethi’s entry brings strategic sharpness and agility to our sales engine. With his sectoral know-how and customer engagement finesse, we expect to deepen our market presence while staying true to our value-driven development ethos.”

    Sethi’s appointment comes at a pivotal juncture for SPJ True Realtyy as it doubles down on expanding across both residential and commercial verticals. With a leadership mindset anchored in performance, the brand is clearly setting the tone for a more ambitious, strategically sound phase brick by brilliant brick.

  • Kavita Sanghvi takes charge as Kotak Education Foundation’s director of education

    Kavita Sanghvi takes charge as Kotak Education Foundation’s director of education

    MUMBAI: In a move that blends academic grit with purpose-led change, Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) has appointed noted educator and policy influencer Kavita Sanghvi as its director of education. The announcement positions Sanghvi at the helm of KEF’s strategic education interventions across under-resourced communities in India.

    A National Awardee in 2022 and Derozio Award recipient in 2024, Sanghvi brings more than two decades of experience in progressive pedagogy and institutional leadership. Her career includes a stint as principal of SVKM’s CNM School, Mumbai, and recognition as a Scientix ambassador, Global Teacher Accreditation holder from the British Council, and mentor under the Ministry of Education’s National Mission for Mentoring.

    In her new role, Sanghvi will lead curriculum reforms, teacher training modules, and education innovations for KEF’s community engagement programmes. Her global initiatives such as the ‘Build Your STEM Competency’ course and the Global Outlook Steam framework have already attracted international traction.

    Kotak Education Foundation CEO Ganesh Raja expressed his confidence in her appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Kavita Sanghvi to the Kotak Education Foundation family. Her exemplary track record and deep-rooted passion for education will be instrumental in advancing our mission to foster equity and excellence in learning. With her leadership, we aim to accelerate impactful change in the communities we serve and redefine what’s possible in education”.

    An alumna of Ramjas College and K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research, Sanghvi holds postgraduate degrees in Physics, Education, and Philosophy of Education, and also earned a Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership from Harvard University.

    On her appointment, Sanghvi said, “I am deeply honoured to join Kotak Education Foundation, whose mission aligns with my lifelong vision of making education equitable, empowering, and future-ready. I look forward to working with passionate educators and leaders to create transformative learning opportunities for every child”.

    Her arrival is expected to boost Kef’s focus on STEM literacy, teacher capacity building, and grassroots education innovation. With a portfolio that combines global recognition and local impact, Sanghvi enters KEF at a pivotal time when India’s education system is navigating rapid transformation.

     

  • Shantanu Saran joins Prudent Insurance as CBO to sharpen growth and client relationships

    Shantanu Saran joins Prudent Insurance as CBO to sharpen growth and client relationships

    MUMBAI: Prudent Insurance Brokers has roped in Shantanu Saran as its new chief business officer (CBO), marking a strategic move aimed at boosting growth and deepening client engagement in a rapidly evolving insurance landscape.

    A seasoned insurance professional with over two decades of experience, Saran steps into the new role with an ambitious mandate: scale the firm’s footprint, drive innovation in service offerings, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. Prior to this, he spent 17 years at Marsh India Insurance Brokers, where he most recently served as MD – sales & claims. Earlier in his career, he was with ICICI Lombard for over four years as area head – corporate solutions group.

    In his new role at Prudent, Saran will lead business development initiatives and identify new growth opportunities, while aligning operations with market demands and risk management trends. His appointment aligns with Prudent’s aggressive expansion blueprint and its commitment to delivering comprehensive, client-centric insurance solutions.

    “Shantanu’s appointment marks an important step in the company’s growth journey. His track record in building stakeholder relationships, managing P&Ls, and innovating strategic growth opportunities aligns well with our focus on delivering value and trust”, said Prudent Insurance Brokers JMD Pavanjit Singh Dhingra.

    Saran holds an economics degree from Delhi University’s Ramjas College and a business administration degree from K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research. His leadership ethos has consistently revolved around delivering measurable outcomes while adapting to changing industry expectations.

    “I am honoured to be part of Prudent Insurance Brokers at a time when the industry is evolving rapidly, and client expectations are continuously rising”, said Saran. “Prudent’s strong foundation, client-centric culture, and clear strategic direction make it ideal to build meaningful and long-term value”.

    The company views this leadership addition as a pivotal move in reinforcing its industry positioning and enhancing its value proposition.

  • Rattan Lal named global ambassador of regenagri to boost regenerative farming awareness

    Rattan Lal named global ambassador of regenagri to boost regenerative farming awareness

    MUMBAI: If soil had a spokesperson, it just found the best one. Rattan Lal, the globally celebrated soil scientist and advocate of sustainable agriculture, has been appointed the global ambassador of regenagri, a leading international standard for regenerative agriculture.

    The announcement was made on June 2, 2025, and signals a high-profile push to mainstream regenerative practices worldwide. Lal, a distinguished university professor of Soil Science and director of the Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration at The Ohio State University, will now amplify regenagri’s message across geographies, guiding its global expansion and standardisation efforts.

    As the global ambassador, Lal will promote the ecological and economic benefits of regenerative farming—emphasising soil health, biodiversity, climate resilience, and community livelihoods. “Regenagri stands for innovative farming systems, which transform agroecosystems into a part of the solution to restore degraded soils, mitigate climate change, strengthen biodiversity, improve the environment and advance Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations while producing safe, healthy, accessible and nutritious food for all”, Lal said.

    His appointment comes at a critical time as nations struggle with deteriorating farmland, shrinking biodiversity, and climate disruption. Regenagri, which provides standards and certification for regenerative agriculture, has found in Lal not just a figurehead but a hands-on contributor to both advocacy and technical advancement. He will also participate in the development of regenagri’s evolving standards framework.

    A decorated scholar and one of the world’s most awarded soil scientists, Lal has received the World Food Prize (2020), Japan Prize (2019), Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity (2024), World Agriculture Prize (2018), M.S. Swaminathan Award (2009), and the Borlaug Award (2005). He previously served as President of both the International Union of Soil Sciences and the Soil Science Society of America.

    Regenagri CEO Franco Costantini noted, “We’re thrilled to have Professor Rattan Lal join us as regenagri’s global ambassador. At a time when restoring soil health on a global scale is more pressing than ever, Prof Lal’s wealth of scientific knowledge will be key to further drive the adoption of regenerative agriculture through regenagri’s robust standards”.

    With Lal at the helm of its advocacy efforts, regenagri aims to deepen its scientific credentials and broaden its impact in the global transition to sustainable, soil-first farming.