Category: People

  • Xperio Labs appoints Ericsson’s Vineet Somakumar  as VP & GM

    Xperio Labs appoints Ericsson’s Vineet Somakumar as VP & GM

    MUMBAI: Xperio Labs announced that Vineet Somakumar has joined the company as VP & GM, Somakumar would be primarily responsible for the P&L of the sales organization with sharp focus on South Asia and other emerging markets.

    Earlier Somakumar worked as the head of media sales and TV¬media Practice (Ericsson) in India. He took Ericsson to a leadership position in the cable sector besides maintaining its leadership position in the broadcast/DTH space. Besides South Asia, Somakumar also managed the sub Saharan Africa business for Ericsson for a brief period.

    Prior to joining Tandberg/Ericsson, he also worked for global brands namely Cisco/Scientific  Atlanta,  Siemens &  Alcatel  both  in  the  Service  Provider  & Enterprise space.

    On his appointment Somakumar said, “The consumer IoT space is soon getting at an inflection point and Xperio labs is well positioned to lead this space in emerging market. I am excited to start a new chapter with Xperio. Having worked with most of the founding team members in Scientific Atlanta/Cisco, it’s a kind of home coming for me”.

    Commenting upon Somakumar’s appointment Xperio Labs president Roshan D’Souza said,  “Vineet   brings  along  with   him   wealth  of  experience,   industry knowledge  and  strong  CXO  relationships  in the  Service  Provider  space. I’m confident Vineet will play a key role in providing and implementing high quality solutions for our clients enabling them to offer their subscribers the best of Consumer IoT”

  • Biraja Swain appointed Chief Growth and Innovation Officer of Neo@Ogilvy India

    Biraja Swain appointed Chief Growth and Innovation Officer of Neo@Ogilvy India

    MUMBAI:Neo@Ogilvy India  has  appointed Biraja Swain as chief growth and innovation officer. Other than leading the Neo Center of Excellence, Biraja will also drive growth and build capability in the mobile space and lead innovation for Ogilvy’s current businesses.

    Prior to this role, Biraja was the Digital and Emerging Media lead for OMD’s operations across India & South Asia with over fifteen years of digital media expertise.

    Neo@Ogilvy, India president and country head Rajesh Bhatia welcomed Swain with, “I am thrilled to have him as part of our network and I am certain that he will play a leading role in driving business, innovation and growth, not just for Neo, but Ogilvy India as a whole.”

    Biraja is well known for his penchant for innovation especially in the field of mobile and among the accolades that he has received include acclaimed awards like Cannes and FOMA. As a founding member of OMG and PhD, he created one of South Asia’s largest digital agency networks from scratch scaling to a team strength of over 250 people with the largest digital advertiser in India (Unilever) on board during his tenure. Under Biraja’s leadership Unilever was awarded “Digital Marketer of the year” and “Mobile Marketer of the Year”, for 3 years running across India and APAC respectively.

    In his previous role, Biraja was National Director at MEC Interaction (Mediaedge: CIA) where he led the “Digital Strategy” for clients such as Citi, Beiersdorf, Singapore Airlines & Sony Ericsson. His experience includes work at some of the best technology and media setups in India, including Baazee/Ebay India and Smile Technologies/Quasar. He also has extensive experience of working in international markets of Middle East and Africa during his previous stints based out of Dubai.

     

  • Biraja Swain appointed Chief Growth and Innovation Officer of Neo@Ogilvy India

    Biraja Swain appointed Chief Growth and Innovation Officer of Neo@Ogilvy India

    MUMBAI:Neo@Ogilvy India  has  appointed Biraja Swain as chief growth and innovation officer. Other than leading the Neo Center of Excellence, Biraja will also drive growth and build capability in the mobile space and lead innovation for Ogilvy’s current businesses.

    Prior to this role, Biraja was the Digital and Emerging Media lead for OMD’s operations across India & South Asia with over fifteen years of digital media expertise.

    Neo@Ogilvy, India president and country head Rajesh Bhatia welcomed Swain with, “I am thrilled to have him as part of our network and I am certain that he will play a leading role in driving business, innovation and growth, not just for Neo, but Ogilvy India as a whole.”

    Biraja is well known for his penchant for innovation especially in the field of mobile and among the accolades that he has received include acclaimed awards like Cannes and FOMA. As a founding member of OMG and PhD, he created one of South Asia’s largest digital agency networks from scratch scaling to a team strength of over 250 people with the largest digital advertiser in India (Unilever) on board during his tenure. Under Biraja’s leadership Unilever was awarded “Digital Marketer of the year” and “Mobile Marketer of the Year”, for 3 years running across India and APAC respectively.

    In his previous role, Biraja was National Director at MEC Interaction (Mediaedge: CIA) where he led the “Digital Strategy” for clients such as Citi, Beiersdorf, Singapore Airlines & Sony Ericsson. His experience includes work at some of the best technology and media setups in India, including Baazee/Ebay India and Smile Technologies/Quasar. He also has extensive experience of working in international markets of Middle East and Africa during his previous stints based out of Dubai.

     

  • Kanika Kalra quits Hindustan Unilever; to join Snapdeal

    Kanika Kalra quits Hindustan Unilever; to join Snapdeal

    MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever’s  executive vice president for marketing Kanika Kalra has put down her papers and is set to join ecommerce giant Snapdeal as its marketing head, as per media reports.  Kalra was brand director for Hindustan Lever’s biggest skin cream brand Fair & Lovely. Kalra will focus on gaining deeper customer insights, making the business more customers centric, driving creativity and ensuring quality in all communication at Snapdeal say sources.

    Delhi-based Jasper Infotech, which owns and operates Snapdeal, has shortlisted Kalra as replacement for its marketing SVP Srinivas Murthy, sources confirmed to a leading business daily, though Snapdeal  refused to comment when approached. 

    Prior to joining HUL eight years ago and working as global brand manager and global brand director, Kalra was a senior manager at Pepsi. She has also worked with Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare Limited and Genpact.

  • Kanika Kalra quits Hindustan Unilever; to join Snapdeal

    Kanika Kalra quits Hindustan Unilever; to join Snapdeal

    MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever’s  executive vice president for marketing Kanika Kalra has put down her papers and is set to join ecommerce giant Snapdeal as its marketing head, as per media reports.  Kalra was brand director for Hindustan Lever’s biggest skin cream brand Fair & Lovely. Kalra will focus on gaining deeper customer insights, making the business more customers centric, driving creativity and ensuring quality in all communication at Snapdeal say sources.

    Delhi-based Jasper Infotech, which owns and operates Snapdeal, has shortlisted Kalra as replacement for its marketing SVP Srinivas Murthy, sources confirmed to a leading business daily, though Snapdeal  refused to comment when approached. 

    Prior to joining HUL eight years ago and working as global brand manager and global brand director, Kalra was a senior manager at Pepsi. She has also worked with Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare Limited and Genpact.

  • SureWaves appoints Amit Mudgil to as regional director

    SureWaves appoints Amit Mudgil to as regional director

    MUMBAI: The next generation media convergence SureWaves, has strengthened its core team by appointing Amit Mudgil as regional director – Ad Sales (North).

    With over 12 years of sales experience across the media industry, Mudgil has previously worked for brands like Discovery Network Asia Pacific, Neo Sports Broadcast Pvt Ltd., Eenadu TV and Hindustan Times. He would be responsible for driving the company’s go-to-market strategy in the Northern region, while closely working with various clients and brands in the region.

    Biman Dutta, who was earlier handling the role of regional director (North & East) would now be based in Kolkata and entirely focus on the Eastern region, while consolidating the company’s expansion in the Eastern states.

    Commenting on the announcement, SureWaves CEO Mandar Patwardhan said, “We are delighted to welcome Amit Mudgil onboard. With his rich and varied experience, he brings with him a hands-on understanding of the media industry. Biman Dutta’s exclusive focus on the Eastern market, coupled with Amit Mudgil’s portfolio of handling Northern markets will help us in business expansion, explore untapped opportunities and strengthen our leadership position.”

    Taking on his role at SureWaves, Mudgil said,“I am excited to be a part of SureWaves, and assume the responsibilities of sales in a highly dynamic and exciting region. SureWaves is a market leader in media technology and innovation and believe that with my experience in the media industry, I can contribute to the organization’s overall growth objectives.” 

  • SureWaves appoints Amit Mudgil to as regional director

    SureWaves appoints Amit Mudgil to as regional director

    MUMBAI: The next generation media convergence SureWaves, has strengthened its core team by appointing Amit Mudgil as regional director – Ad Sales (North).

    With over 12 years of sales experience across the media industry, Mudgil has previously worked for brands like Discovery Network Asia Pacific, Neo Sports Broadcast Pvt Ltd., Eenadu TV and Hindustan Times. He would be responsible for driving the company’s go-to-market strategy in the Northern region, while closely working with various clients and brands in the region.

    Biman Dutta, who was earlier handling the role of regional director (North & East) would now be based in Kolkata and entirely focus on the Eastern region, while consolidating the company’s expansion in the Eastern states.

    Commenting on the announcement, SureWaves CEO Mandar Patwardhan said, “We are delighted to welcome Amit Mudgil onboard. With his rich and varied experience, he brings with him a hands-on understanding of the media industry. Biman Dutta’s exclusive focus on the Eastern market, coupled with Amit Mudgil’s portfolio of handling Northern markets will help us in business expansion, explore untapped opportunities and strengthen our leadership position.”

    Taking on his role at SureWaves, Mudgil said,“I am excited to be a part of SureWaves, and assume the responsibilities of sales in a highly dynamic and exciting region. SureWaves is a market leader in media technology and innovation and believe that with my experience in the media industry, I can contribute to the organization’s overall growth objectives.” 

  • Suman Srivastava is vice chairman and chief strategy officer of FCB Ulka Group

    Suman Srivastava is vice chairman and chief strategy officer of FCB Ulka Group

    MUMBAI: FCB Ulka Group chairman and CEO Rohit Ohri announced the appointment of Suman Srivastava as vice chairman and chief strategy officer, FCB Ulka Group.

    Commenting on the appointment, Ohri said, “Good people make good things happen. That’s my guiding principle as I build my leadership team at FCB Ulka Group. In Suman I see a brilliant mind, a deep passion for brand building and inspiring leadership. I’m delighted to have him as my strategic partner as we write a new chapter in the history of FCB Ulka in India. ”

    A graduate from Delhi University, IIM Ahmedabad and IMD Lausanne, Suman started his career with the Lintas Group and was part of the team that set up SSC&B. He then moved on to Euro RSCG in India and eventually became its CEO as well as Chief Strategy Officer for its Asia Pacific region. Suman then turned entrepreneur and started a strategic consulting firm – Marketing Unplugged, which will now be a part of the FCB Ulka Group.

    As he takes charge in his new role, Suman Srivastava said, “I seem to change jobs every year in which India hosts the cricket world cup. I started my career in Lintas in 1987, then moved to Euro RSCG in 1996 and started Marketing Unplugged in 2011. I am thankful that Rohit offered me such an exciting new role just in the year that India is hosting the T20 World Cup. That ensures my record stays clean. And given that India is not likely to host another world cup for many years, I look forward to a long and happy tenure at FCB Ulka.”

    Going forward Suman will oversee strategy and all related functions for the Group, including Strategic Planning, Cogito Consulting, Asterii Analytics and Marketing Unplugged.  

  • Suman Srivastava is vice chairman and chief strategy officer of FCB Ulka Group

    Suman Srivastava is vice chairman and chief strategy officer of FCB Ulka Group

    MUMBAI: FCB Ulka Group chairman and CEO Rohit Ohri announced the appointment of Suman Srivastava as vice chairman and chief strategy officer, FCB Ulka Group.

    Commenting on the appointment, Ohri said, “Good people make good things happen. That’s my guiding principle as I build my leadership team at FCB Ulka Group. In Suman I see a brilliant mind, a deep passion for brand building and inspiring leadership. I’m delighted to have him as my strategic partner as we write a new chapter in the history of FCB Ulka in India. ”

    A graduate from Delhi University, IIM Ahmedabad and IMD Lausanne, Suman started his career with the Lintas Group and was part of the team that set up SSC&B. He then moved on to Euro RSCG in India and eventually became its CEO as well as Chief Strategy Officer for its Asia Pacific region. Suman then turned entrepreneur and started a strategic consulting firm – Marketing Unplugged, which will now be a part of the FCB Ulka Group.

    As he takes charge in his new role, Suman Srivastava said, “I seem to change jobs every year in which India hosts the cricket world cup. I started my career in Lintas in 1987, then moved to Euro RSCG in 1996 and started Marketing Unplugged in 2011. I am thankful that Rohit offered me such an exciting new role just in the year that India is hosting the T20 World Cup. That ensures my record stays clean. And given that India is not likely to host another world cup for many years, I look forward to a long and happy tenure at FCB Ulka.”

    Going forward Suman will oversee strategy and all related functions for the Group, including Strategic Planning, Cogito Consulting, Asterii Analytics and Marketing Unplugged.  

  • The Social Street ropes in Heena Mistry as head of events and experiential business

    The Social Street ropes in Heena Mistry as head of events and experiential business

    MUMBAI  The Social Street has roped in Heena Mistry to head the events and experiential business; she will operate out of their Mumbai office.

    Mistry, brings with her over 15 years of experience and moves from SOI Live Marketing & Events, where she was a Director and lent her expertise with hundred plus marketers, leading brands, pan India across various industries.

    The Social Street founding partner and CEO Mandeep Malhotra commented on the development, “Heena is very well known in the industry for her impeccable delivery on various brand requirements. She is renowned for her ability to exceed client expectations. She brings to our team a sense of great commitment and prudence, which is hard to find these days.”

    Commenting on her new role, Mistry says “It’s a matter of pride for me to be associated with TSS. I join this team with great expectations and delight. I am very confident on building on the immense learning I had at SOI Live Marketing. Mandeep & Pratap have a clear vision for The Social Street and knowing that they wanted me on the team gives me loads of confidence to do well. I am certain that my partnership with The Social Street will add a new dimension to my career.”

    Mistry went on to add, “I feel events and experiential marketing is a lot more than just brand activations.” According to her it’s all about delivering a memorable 360-degree integrated marketing solution.