Category: People

“Goafest 2025 is our canvas; we want brands to be comfortable forging content partnerships on MX Player” – Amogh Dusad

MUMBAI: On the sun-kissed shores of Goafest 2025, amidst the creative chaos and infectious enthusiasm of India’s advertising aristocracy, Amazon MX Player made a splash—not merely as a passive sponsor but as an ingenious storyteller poised to rewrite the rulebook on how brands engage their audience. Content maestro Amogh Dusad, appearing as though he thrives solely on a potent cocktail of wit, charm, and industry savvy, laid bare exactly how Amazon MX Player plans to dazzle and delight the notoriously unpredictable advertising elite.
In this buzzing carnival of ideas and innovation, Indian Television Dot Com’s Sreeyom Sil gladly swapped leisurely sun-loungers for spirited verbal fencing, exchanging lively repartee with Amazon MX Player’s charismatic content wizard Dusad to unravel the secrets behind his devilishly clever content crusade. Below is a distillation of Dusad’s interview, served fresh in a brisk question-and-answer dossier. Excerpts:

How is Amazon MX Player positioning itself to impress India’s top advertising minds at Goafest?
We want to use this opportunity to talk about some of our upcoming tentpole shows. Also give them full comfort and trust on the kind of content that is on the service so that brands feel comfortable in deeper content partnerships.These forums build awareness around our upcoming slate. Our masterclass here offers brands a journey into our ecosystem—demonstrating seamless brand integrations in our narratives, ensuring advertisers feel confident forging deeper content partnerships.

Can you give a specific example of brand integration in Amazon MX Player’s content?
There’s a lot of brand integrations in LinkedIn in Jamnapaar, or Realme sponsored Hip Hop India. We’ve successfully embedded brands directly into storytelling. Unlike traditional TV, where ads often become ambient noise, OTT’s intimate viewing ensures audiences engage fully. Shows like Lock Upp and Campus Diaries seamlessly weave brand messages into compelling stories, amplified further through our social media.

Are there any new storytelling trends from Goafest influencing Amazon MX Player’s content?
The festival’s just begun, but we constantly reassess our content. The rapid popularity of hip-hop among India’s youth, for instance, inspired our show Hip Hop India, integrating subculture and music in an energetic format, demonstrating our commitment to riding cultural waves swiftly.

Has involvement in Goafest planning influenced your decision to double down on dubbed international content?
No videsi as a category. We’ve been programming for almost two to three years now. We’ve curated international hits, notably from East Asia, for a few years now. Our recent anime venture dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, a free-to-view innovation, was an independent, successful experiment reinforcing our strategic direction.

Any exclusive content reveals at Goafest 2025 from Amazon MX Player?
We will be screening the first episodes of popular returning franchise Half CA season 2 and new series Mitti: Ek Nayi Pehchaan, featuring Ishwak Singh. We will also be having a fireside chat featuring actor Sunil Shetty on the returning season of Hunter and insights from our upcoming unscripted show featuring Ashneer Grover will give attendees an exclusive taste.

How is Amazon MX Player leveraging Goafest as a testing ground for new ad formats?
Being the presenting sponsor gives us significant engagement opportunities. Through masterclasses and interactive sessions, we’re challenging the industry’s brightest to rethink brand storytelling beyond traditional paradigms. Our aim is bold yet simple: innovate or perish.

Reflecting on your role, how have your leadership decisions shaped Amazon MX Player?
My journey here has been immensely rewarding, producing over 20 returning franchises within just three years. Our next frontier? MX Fatafat, an innovative vertical short-form drama series with two minute episodes tailored to a thumb-scrolling audience, expected later this yea

May 21, 2025
GoaFest 2025: “I am my own favourite” – Kareena Kapoor Khan rewrites stardom with self love

MUMBAI: If loving yourself was an art form, Kareena Kapoor Khan could well hold the copyright. In a sparkling fireside session titled “Main Apni Favourite Hoon: Not Just a Line. A Mindset” at GoaFest 2025, Kareena proved that her iconic dialogue from Jab We Met wasn’t just script gold, it was a life mantra with staying power.

Interviewed by celebrity host Atika Farooqi at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, the actress peeled back the layers on fame, family, and the fine print of self-worth.

“The line changed not just my career, but my life,” Kareena declared. Delivered 15 years ago, when ‘self-love’ wasn’t yet trending, it has since become a cultural rallying cry. “It’s a mindset, not a moment,” she said, explaining how the phrase empowered not just her but an entire generation of women to embrace their truth even if it meant standing alone.

Celebrating over 25 years in cinema, Kareena described her personal brand in two words: “Unapologetically herself.”

From iconic commercial blockbusters to gritty roles like Chameli, Dev, Omkara and more recently Jaane Jaan and The Buckingham Murders, she’s deliberately straddled both glamour and grit.

“If I can’t transform, I shouldn’t be doing this,” she said simply.

On longevity in showbiz, she boiled it down to a cocktail of talent, brave choices, and refusing to ride trends. “Success is not just about staying visible. It’s about staying true,” she mused.

Family life wasn’t left out either. Reflecting on her marriage with Saif Ali Khan and motherhood, she spoke candidly about the importance of mutual respect over sacrifice, calling Saif “a strong support structure.”

For Kareena, balance isn’t about keeping score; it’s about knowing when to step up and when to pause. “Work will come and go but the love you build at home is irreplaceable,” she said.

Asked whether she’d ever remake a Raj Kapoor classic, the answer was an emphatic no. “Some things are timeless. You don’t touch them, you preserve them,” she said, referring to her grandfather’s legendary legacy.
She also gave props to the changing cinema landscape. From OTT to regional crossover, Kareena’s game to learn new languages and new rules.

“Authenticity is the new glamour,” she said, crediting the likes of Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma for setting new performance benchmarks in today’s hyper-observant viewing culture.

What keeps her going? “Staying childlike. Staying curious. And yes being my own favourite,” she grinned.

From box office queen to boundary-pushing actor, Kareena’s session wasn’t just a rewind of her past, but a guidebook to staying relevant, radiant and real in a business that rarely forgives age, honesty or independence.

May 21, 2025
Hdfc Ergo elevates Parthanil Ghosh to executive director as growth gears up

MUMBAI: Hdfc Ergo General Insurance has elevated Parthanil Ghosh to executive director as the company prepares for its next phase of growth and transformation. The appointment remains subject to approval by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and other necessary regulatory clearances.

The board of directors cleared Ghosh’s elevation as part of its strategic leadership strengthening, marking another milestone in his 15-year journey with the company. Ghosh, who joined Hdfc Ergo in 2010, brings more than three decades of cross-industry experience. His track record includes pivotal roles in sales, business risk management, underwriting, claims, and marketing.

“Ghosh is a seasoned industry leader with over 30 years of experience across different industries and joined Hdfc Ergo in 2010. His deep understanding of the insurance landscape, along with his exceptional leadership has played a vital role in shaping Hdfc Ergo’s growth trajectory and has managed various functions including sales, business risk management, underwriting, claims & marketing”, the company stated.

Ghosh’s appointment is expected to bolster Hdfc Ergo’s executive leadership bench at a time when the insurer is sharpening its focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and digital transformation to remain ahead in a competitive market.

As the company intensifies its efforts to lead the next wave of insurance disruption, Ghosh’s elevation signals a commitment to continuity and institutional expertise while aligning with the broader strategic vision.

May 19, 2025
The Sleep Co names Nirav Lalan as chief growth officer

MUMBAI: The Sleep Co is waking up to a fresh wave of leadership as it promotes Nirav Lalan to chief growth officer (CGO), recognising his stellar role in propelling the brand to 20x growth in just under three years.

Nirav, who joined the company in 2022, has been the brain behind its meteoric rise, cracking new growth channels and redefining comfort-tech. “Nirav has been a driving force behind our expansion,” said The Sleep Co co-founder Priyanka Salot. “His sharp strategies and knack for consumer insight have helped us scale faster than ever.”

Taking on his new role, Nirav Lalan shared his excitement: “It’s a privilege to be part of this extraordinary journey. I look forward to pushing the boundaries even further.”

The move is part of The Sleep Company’s strategy to fortify its leadership bench and set the stage for sustainable, long-term growth.

May 19, 2025
Pai charts a Prime course with content strategy role at Amazon

MUMBAI: From broadcast boardrooms to the streaming screen, Saurabh Pai is now scripting his next chapter at Amazon. The media and strategy specialist has taken on a new role in content strategy at Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, marking a pivotal move in his two-decade-long career in content, analytics, and business planning.

Known for bringing a data-driven approach to programming decisions, Pai’s new position comes after a nearly three-year stint at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., where he served as director of network strategy. There, he played a key role in streamlining content planning across the network’s bouquet of channels, using tools like Looker and deep market insights to sharpen audience segmentation and performance forecasting.

Before Zee, Pai spent close to seven years at Times Television Network, where he wore multiple hats across content and product management. From crafting viewer-first propositions to budgeting and performance tracking, he emerged as a critical thinker with a flair for aligning content with consumer intent.

His career also includes a previous stint at Zee as Research Head for niche channels and product lead for Zee Studio, where his early work shaped how the network approached English-language content in India.

At Prime Video, Pai will help steer content decisions in one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive streaming markets. With streaming giants increasingly leaning on insight-led content curation, his hybrid background in content, data and distribution is expected to play a key role in shaping Amazon’s next wave of originals and acquisitions in India.

One thing’s clear: with this move, Pai isn’t just tuning in, he’s ready to help write the next big streaming script.

May 18, 2025
Zee lines up Ashwin Gargava to dial up DTH business

MUMBAI: The DTH dial just turned up a notch. Ashwin Gargava, a seasoned media professional with over two decades of experience, has been appointed as head of the DTH business at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), an expanded role that signals the network’s intent to sharpen its focus and operational rigour in the Direct-To-Home vertical.

Known for his deep domain knowledge and deft handling of affiliate partnerships, Gargava steps into the upgraded mandate with a clear mission: to align Zee’s DTH play more closely with the strategic priorities of its Affiliate Sales team, and drive smarter, more synergised monetisation across platforms.

A Zee veteran since 2015, Gargava has steadily scaled leadership ladders from building affiliate support to spearheading partnerships. Prior to Zee, he has worn multiple hats across HBO, Turner Broadcasting, Fox International Channels, and Magna Publishing, bringing together a portfolio rich in placement strategy, network negotiations, and international business development.

In an era where traditional distribution and digital convergence increasingly overlap, Gargava’s expanded role will be key in making the DTH business not just future-ready, but future-resilient. And if his track record is anything to go by, it’s clear he’s not just along for the ride, he’s in the driver’s seat, with Zee’s DTH ambitions firmly in his sights.

May 18, 2025
Parag Milk Foods appoints Subhodeep Roy as chief business officer to steer next phase of growth

MUMBAI: Parag Milk Foods Ltd., one of India’s leading dairy and nutrition brands, has named Subhodeep Roy as its new chief business officer, signalling a strategic leadership shift to sharpen revenue focus and accelerate growth.

Roy brings over 18 years of experience across India’s FMCG ecosystem, having worked with stalwarts such as Britannia, Cadbury, Godrej Consumer Products, Tata Consumer Products, and most recently, Dabur India Ltd. Known for his ability to integrate trade strategy with customer-first execution, he is expected to play a pivotal role in deepening Parag’s market reach.

In his new role, Roy will spearhead business growth initiatives, drive execution excellence, and focus on expanding key categories. His leadership mantra-People, Process, Profit-is in line with Parag’s culture of innovation and impact-led scale.

“We are delighted to welcome Subhodeep to the Parag family”, said Parag Milk Foods ED Akshali Shah. “His entrepreneurial mindset and deep understanding of trade and business dynamics will play a pivotal role as we scale up and deepen our market reach”.

Aligned with Parag’s vision to deliver quality nutrition to every Indian household, Roy’s coaching-led approach empowers frontline teams to lead innovation at the ground level—a move expected to bolster agility in a fast-changing retail landscape.

Roy’s appointment comes at a time when Parag Milk Foods is actively looking to solidify its positioning in the premium nutrition segment, scale distribution networks, and explore adjacencies in health and wellness through its core dairy portfolio.

With him at the helm of business strategy, the company looks poised to navigate the evolving FMCG terrain with renewed focus and sharper execution.

May 16, 2025
R Venkatasubramanian steps down as COO of Havas Play amid ongoing restructuring

MUMBAI: In a significant development within the Indian media and entertainment ecosystem, R Venkatasubramanian has stepped down as the chief operating officer of Havas Play. His departure comes amid an ongoing internal restructuring at the agency, as confirmed by Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi.

“We are currently in the middle of a restructuring, but Venkat has decided to move on. I wish him all the best”, said Joshi in an official statement responding to the exit.

Venkatasubramanian’s association with Havas Media spanned over six years, during which he held multiple leadership roles including president – investments and Havas Play MD, and later elevated to COO of Havas Play in May 2024. Prior to this, he played key roles across Initiative Media, MPG, and Lintas Media Group, with a two-decade-long track record of building media investment strategies and driving business transformation.

His leadership tenure coincided with a period of rapid evolution at Havas Play, where the agency expanded its experiential, content, and sponsorship-led offerings. While the company has not named a successor, sources indicate that the restructuring may lead to a redefined leadership structure.

Venkatasubramanian’s departure adds to a string of high-level exits across India’s media-buying industry, as agencies increasingly reorient operations toward tech-first and performance-driven models.

May 16, 2025
Bureau appoints Vanita Pandey as CMO to steer global marketing and GTM strategy

MUMBAI: Identity and risk decisioning platform Bureau has appointed Vanita Pandey as its chief marketing officer to lead its global go-to-market strategy amid a phase of rapid international expansion. With more than 15 years of experience in identity, fraud prevention, and fintech marketing, Vanita joins Bureau at a pivotal time as it sharpens its global positioning post-Series B.

Pandey steps into the role with a brief to drive high-performance GTM campaigns, build a globally consistent brand narrative, and launch product-led growth strategies across the Americas, middle east, and southeast Asia. She will work closely with Bureau’s product and sales teams to expand reach across fintech, banking, and digital-native verticals.

“In a market where trust drives growth, clarity and narrative are strategic advantages”, said Bureau founder & CEO Ranjan R Reddy. “Vanita knows how to turn complex risk and identity challenges into stories that win customers and shape industries. Her proven ability to build demand engines will be instrumental in realising Bureau’s global vision”.

Pandey most recently served as CMO at CAF, a digital identity company in LATAM. Her earlier stints include senior roles at Visa, Capital One, Simility (acquired by Paypal), ThreatMetrix (acquired by LexisNexis), and Arkose Labs. She is known for leading product marketing in highly regulated, growth-focused environments and scaling GTM initiatives across global markets.

Speaking on her new role, Pandey said, “What excites me is Bureau’s mission-critical approach to scale—driven by the aim to future-proof the digital economy. I look forward to scaling a global brand that doesn’t just react to market shifts but operates ahead of them”.

Her appointment follows Bureau’s Series B funding round led by Sorenson Capital and Paypal Ventures, and the onboarding of chief analytics & risk officer Venkat Srinivasan—both indicators of the company’s broader push to build global leadership in digital trust infrastructure.

May 15, 2025
Bryan Batista to take flight as Skyscanner’s next CEO, succeeding John Mangelaars

MUMBAI: Skyscanner has named Bryan Batista as its next chief executive officer, effective 1 June 2025. Batista, who currently serves as chief operating officer, will succeed John Mangelaars, who departs after a four-and-a-half-year stint steering the global travel platform through a period of rapid growth and diversification.

The leadership transition comes as Skyscanner records double-digit growth across flights, accommodation, and car hire, while expanding aggressively into high-growth markets such as India. The company currently serves over 160 million users each month across 180 countries and 37 languages, offering access to more than 1,200 partners in flights, hotels, and car rentals. Rail and package travel offerings have also been added in select markets.

Mangelaars said, “After four and a half incredible years, I am stepping down as CEO and passing the baton to Bryan. The company is in a great position, and I feel that now is the right time for me personally to make this change and pursue new ventures. I have enormous confidence in Bryan’s leadership and determination to take Skyscanner forward in the next stage of its ambitious growth”.

Batista joined Skyscanner in January 2024. Prior to that, he led Rentalcars.com and served as SVP of the Trips division at Booking.com, after an earlier leadership stint at Tesla. Since joining Skyscanner, Batista has played a key role in shaping and executing the company’s long-term strategy, which involves scanning 100 billion prices daily to help travellers plan their trips with greater ease and confidence.

“We built Skyscanner because we are travel geeks at heart”, Batista said. “We love the thrill of exploring new places and we hate the pain of planning. Since joining Skyscanner, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our incredible teams and travel partners. Stepping into this role is a dream. I get to lead a company that is on a mission to become the world’s number one travel ally”.

With new products, smarter tools, and category expansions in motion, Batista’s elevation signals a continued focus on making travel discovery more intuitive and rewarding for users worldwide.

May 15, 2025