ITV

Category: People

  • India TV tunes into Roy wave to boost outreach and storytelling

    India TV tunes into Roy wave to boost outreach and storytelling

    MUMBAI: India TV has turned up the volume on its brand playbook with the appointment of Mohit Roy Sharma as head, communications & outreach, a move that signals the news network’s intent to strike a sharper chord with audiences across platforms.

    Known for orchestrating some of India’s biggest media IPs, Sharma isn’t just stepping into a new role, he’s bringing nearly three decades of storytelling, strategy and stagecraft with him. From Agenda Aaj Tak to Ideas of India, his portfolio reads like a greatest hits album of Indian news media events.

    In his new gig, Sharma will be instrumental in shaping India TV’s voice as it navigates a rapidly evolving newsscape. The goal? Smarter engagement, stronger visibility, and campaigns that cut through the clutter without losing the signal.

    Previously senior executive editor and head of corporate communications at ABP Network, Sharma spearheaded initiatives that blended editorial gravitas with brand muscle. His tenure saw the rise of marquee properties like The Southern Rising and Roots & Rhythms, earning him a reputation for insight-driven innovation.

    Commenting on the appointment India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan said “We are delighted to onboard Mohit Roy Sharma to the India TV leadership team at a time when the media landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. His well-versed experience in strategic communications & brand outreach, brings immense value to the group. His ability to align communication strategies to create brand visibility through his media relation will strengthen our positioning and will play an essential role in enhancing our presence and relevance across platforms.

    With this move, India TV isn’t just adding a new voice, it’s remixing its outreach game with a seasoned hand on the console.

  • Nitin Bhatnagar rises to VP – programmatic ad ops at Sony Pictures Networks

    Nitin Bhatnagar rises to VP – programmatic ad ops at Sony Pictures Networks

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has dialled up its programmatic firepower with the elevation of Nitin Bhatnagar as vice president – programmatic advertising & digital advertising operations. The move solidifies SPNI’s commitment to sharpening its data-driven advertising game across OTT and digital platforms.

    With over 15 years under his belt, Bhatnagar is no stranger to the fast-changing digital ad terrain. Having joined Sony in 2021, he steadily climbed the ranks—from handling programmatic ops to now helming the entire digital ad stack, including video, analytics, and monetisation models.

    Prior to Sony, he spent six action-packed years at NDTV Digital, managing ad ops and client servicing. His resume reads like a guided tour through India’s digital media evolution—with stints at BBC Worldwide, Sizmek, Starcom, and Aidem Ventures for Microsoft Online Advertising.

    From launching BBC campaigns across APAC to running MSN’s trafficking team pan-India, Bhatnagar’s worked across everything from banner ads to BTL activations, Wap to programmatic pipes, with a sharp eye for optimisation and delivery.

    His style? Quietly methodical. His rep? A fixer who knows his SSPs from his DMPs and can troubleshoot like a pro.

  • Rajinikanth checks in to lead sales at Hyatt Regency Dehradun

    Rajinikanth checks in to lead sales at Hyatt Regency Dehradun

    MUMBAI: Dehradun’s getting a new kind of star power this time, in a sharply tailored suit. Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa has roped in Rajinikanth Ramadass as its new director of sales & marketing, and he’s bringing nearly 15 years of luxury hospitality muscle to the Himalayan hideaway.

    Fresh off stints at Grand Hyatt Goa and Park Hyatt Chennai, Rajinikanth arrives with a game plan that blends five-star finesse with foot-on-the-ground market savvy. His mission? Turn the serene resort into the crown jewel of destination weddings and the go-to for high-flying corporate retreats.

    With the line between leisure and business now more blurred than a monsoon view, he’s crafting immersive packages that pair boardrooms with birdcalls and mandaps with mountain air. Think luxury meets logistics, with a generous helping of Dehradun’s postcard-perfect charm.

    But this isn’t just about pretty views and Pinterest weddings. Rajinikanth’s strategy hinges on data-led decisions, swish brand collaborations, and digital campaigns designed to lure bookings straight from the source, no middleman, no fuss.

    “I am honored to join Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa as director of sales & marketing. This exceptional resort stands at the crossroads of luxury and nature, offering unparalleled experiences for leisure travelers, corporate guests, and wedding celebrations. My goal is to build on the resort’s strong foundation and drive strategic growth through innovative sales and marketing initiatives. I look forward to working with a dynamic team and elevating the guest experience to new heights,” mentioned Rajinikanth Ramadass.

    As Dehradun climbs the charts of India’s luxury map, Rajinikanth’s appointment signals Hyatt’s intent to not just ride the wave but to script the next chapter in Himalayan hospitality.

  • Double feature as IN10 rewrites credits for key content and ops leads

    Double feature as IN10 rewrites credits for key content and ops leads

    MUMBAI: Two’s company, but IN10 Media Network is making it a power duo. In a move straight out of a well-scripted plot twist, the network has handed expanded mandates to two of its leading men Samar Khan and Sourjya Mohanty across its digital platforms Docubay and Epic On.

    Khan, best known for helming Juggernaut Productions, will now don the hat of chief content officer for both platforms. His new gig sees him leading the content charge, shaping the creative direction, and fine-tuning the storytelling voices of the documentary-led DocuBay and the fiction-forward Epic On. Call it a genre-spanning role with a tight narrative brief.

    On the operations front, Mohanty, already the COO at Epic On, will now extend his oversight to Docubay as well becoming the double-barrelled COO tasked with keeping the business engine running smoothly across both arms of the network.

    Speaking on the leadership elevation, IN10 Media Network managing director Aditya Pittie said, “Samar and Sourjya’s expanded roles reflect the confidence we have in their leadership and vision. In today’s rapidly evolving ecosystem, success lies at the intersection of strong content and sound strategy. At IN10 Media Network, we are committed to building a future-ready digital content business, one that is driven as the premium destination of documentaries and other is for the fictional storytelling excellence. This leadership realignment is a key step in advancing that mission and solidifying our position in the digital media landscape.”

    The twin elevation is part of IN10’s broader vision to create a more seamless and strategic content ecosystem. By syncing operations and storytelling, the media group hopes to strengthen both platforms’ positioning as go-to destinations for bold, relevant, and globally resonant content.

  • Saugata Gupta stays at the crease as Marico extends CEO term to 2028

    Saugata Gupta stays at the crease as Marico extends CEO term to 2028

     MUMBAI: Still calling the shots, and how. Saugata Gupta is set for another two-year season at the helm of Marico Limited, with the FMCG major’s board approving his reappointment as managing director and CEO till March 2028.

    Having joined the company back in 2004 as head of marketing, Gupta’s rise has been nothing short of a masterclass in brand leadership. From captaining the India business in 2007 to taking the reins as CEO in 2013 and MD in 2014, he’s led the Parachute-to-Set Wet empire through market winds with a steady hand and sharp instincts.

    The boardroom decision, made on 2 May 2025, and filed with the stock exchanges the same day, means Gupta will notch up nearly 14 years as MD & CEO by the end of this renewed term, an impressive feat in an industry known for its churn.

    Outside of Marico, Gupta also wears several advisory hats, serving as an independent director on the boards of Delhivery, Ashok Leyland, and formerly JSW Paints. His career before Marico included stints with ICICI Prudential and Mondelēz, lending him a marketing pedigree as rich as the brands he’s built.

    With this extension, Marico’s leadership continuity seems sealed and set, as Gupta continues to script the brand’s next chapter in a fast-evolving consumer landscape.

  • Renu Chipalkatti joins iline as CSO & co-founder to supercharge EV logistics future

    Renu Chipalkatti joins iline as CSO & co-founder to supercharge EV logistics future

    MUMBAI: Electric logistics startup iline has put its foot firmly on the accelerator. In May 2025, the company welcomed seasoned business strategist and Fortune 20 executive Renu Chipalkatti as its chief strategic officer & co-founder-a move that signals its readiness to scale and dominate India’s green logistics space.

    Chipalkatti brings over 35 years of global leadership experience, having held pivotal roles including Bitreel CEO & advisor, and chairperson of the advisory board at the University of Massachusetts’ Manning School of Computer and Information Science. Known for her knack for scaling disruptive businesses and rewriting playbooks, she now takes on a mission to drive cleaner, smarter delivery solutions in India.

    Founded in 2024, iline is India’s first EV-only logistics platform dedicated to decarbonising last-mile delivery. With AI at its core, iline offers battery-optimised, data-driven delivery that cuts emissions and costs in equal measure.

    “iline is redefining the future of last-mile delivery in India. With Renu Chipalkatti’s strategic insight and vast experience, we are creating sustainable last-mile delivery with innovative and cost-effective electric mobility solutions and AI,” said iline.AI CEO Prakarsh Dwivedi. “This collaboration marks the next chapter in iline’s evolution as a pioneer for nationwide green mobility and inclusive growth.”

    As the startup scales, Chipalkatti’s leadership is expected to steer iline through its next wave of growth, building a cleaner, AI-optimised future for urban logistics.

  • Nikhil Sareen joins Qubo as co-founder, powers next phase of connected living strategy

    Nikhil Sareen joins Qubo as co-founder, powers next phase of connected living strategy

    MUMBAI: Qubo is adding firepower to its leadership bench. The homegrown smart device brand announced the appointment of Nikhil Sareen as its new co-founder. The move marks a pivotal moment as Qubo gears up to expand its footprint across smart living, mobility, and connected home ecosystems.

    Sareen brings over 15 years of experience in e-commerce, entrepreneurship, and brand-building to the table. Best known for his strategic leadership at Vahdam India, he helped the brand grow into a global tea powerhouse, driving entry into international markets and scaling its digital-first operations. Prior to that, he co-founded Schoolkart.com and transformed Strauss Sport into a leading name in the sportswear segment.

    “I am thrilled to join Qubo at a time when it’s reimagining smart living in India”, said Sareen. “The brand’s deep focus on innovation and its tech-first approach truly set it apart. I look forward to contributing to its strategic growth, expanding the portfolio, and unlocking new opportunities.”

    Qubo founder & CEO Nikhil Rajpal welcomed the appointment, “We welcome Nikhil Sareen as the co-founder. His expertise in building and scaling innovative brands positions him as a valuable partner in advancing Qubo’s mission to elevate its connected living platform.”

    An ISB alumnus, Sareen’s appointment strengthens Qubo’s strategic muscle as it eyes new product segments and market opportunities. His track record of building high-trust consumer brands makes him well-suited to steer Qubo’s next stage of evolution—from Made-in-India tech to made-for-the-world ambition.

  • Ashish Deora lays the bricks for a Proptech powerhouse at Aurum

    Ashish Deora lays the bricks for a Proptech powerhouse at Aurum

    MUMBAI: Aurum Ventures’ founder and serial disruptor Ashish Deora is stepping into an expanded strategic role at Aurum Proptech, bringing his formidable track record in building tech-first businesses to supercharge the company’s ambition of becoming India’s largest PropTech player.

    The move comes as India’s Proptech opportunity surges towards the USD 100 billion mark and Aurum is readying its blueprint for the boom. Deora’s focus will be on guiding the firm’s Rental, Distribution and Capital verticals, helping lay the foundation for a future where technology becomes the backbone of real estate.

    An alumnus of Harvard Business School, Deora founded Aurum Ventures at just 21, and over the past 30 years, has built a portfolio spanning telecom, aviation, renewables, and real estate. He’s best known for co-founding Renew Power, creating one of India’s first optic fibre networks, and revitalising a branded low-cost airline. But real estate is where he’s currently making his deepest mark.

    Over the last 15 years, Deora has developed Aurum Realestate, a full-stack platform offering everything from IT-SEZs and luxury housing to retail and integrated townships in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Complementing that is Aurum PropTech, launched in 2021, which now operates in 15 cities with 650 plus professionals and a tech portfolio including Nestaway, Sell.do and Aurum Analytica.

    Commenting on the appointment, Aurum Proptech director on board Vasant Gujarathi said, “We are thrilled to welcome Ashish to the Board. His visionary leadership has been the cornerstone of Aurum’s success, and his strategic insights will be pivotal as we scale new heights. With his continued guidance to the management team, we are confident in accelerating our mission to lead India’s rapidly evolving PropTech sector and establish Aurum PropTech as the nation’s largest and most impactful Proptech company.”

    Commenting on the appointment Ashish Deora said, “India PropTech sector represents a USD 100 billion opportunity across consumer tech, enterprise tech and fintech offerings. Since our inception in April 2021, we have strategically combined organic and inorganic growth to develop a clear vision and execution model, underpinned by operational excellence and strategic building blocks to cater to real estate consumers and enterprises. A 650 plus strong passionate team, who live and breathe PropTech is energized to demonstrate scale and depth with strong business fundamentals. As Aurum PropTech continues its journey toward achieving INR 1,000 crore in revenue, fuelled by our Rental, Distribution, and Capital offerings, I am excited to witness the technology-driven transformation of Real Estate, making it truly Future Ready.

    Backed by a mix of organic growth and savvy acquisitions, Aurum PropTech’s 10-product ecosystem is positioned at the crossroads of consumer tech, enterprise tech and fintech, with a mission to disrupt traditional real estate at every touchpoint from rentals and distribution to capital solutions.

    And Deora isn’t just shaping the future of business. Alongside his wife, he’s steering Aurum’s philanthropic initiatives, and serves on the board of Shriram Properties, extending his influence across India’s residential and affordable housing landscape.

    As India’s property market gets a digital makeover, Ashish Deora’s comeback to active strategy might just be the keystone that cements Aurum’s place in the Proptech hall of fame.
     

  • Mandira moves in as Howden eyes a high-stakes M&A power play

    Mandira moves in as Howden eyes a high-stakes M&A power play

    MUMBAI: Howden’s latest appointment is anything but business as usual, it’s business with intent. The global insurance and reinsurance broking giant has announced Mandira Gupta as its new managing director & head of M&A, IMEA, placing a seasoned dealmaker at the helm of its transactional risk and private equity solutions playbook.

    Based out of Mumbai, Mandira joins at a time when India’s mergers and acquisitions landscape is on a blistering upswing. According to Grant Thornton Bharat, the first quarter of 2025 saw deals worth 5.3 billion dollars marking a 204 per cent jump in value and a 25 per cent rise in volume over Q1 last year. It’s a deal party, and Howden just handed the aux to one of the sharpest minds in the room.

    Mandira’s reputation precedes her. She’s credited with building India’s Transaction Risk (TR) insurance practice from the ground up, and has over 20 years of experience across insurance broking and investment banking. Prior to this, she held senior leadership at Marsh India, where she steered the PEMA practice in India and led the TR vertical across India, the Middle East, and Africa.

    From headline-grabbing mega deals to needle-threading cross-border transactions, Mandira’s portfolio is stacked with complexity, scale, and innovation making her a natural fit to drive Howden’s ambitions across the IMEA region.

    IMEA managing director & head of M&A Mandira Gupta said, “I am delighted to join Howden, and look forward to contributing to its growth and business objectives. My main emphasis will be on creating customized solutions for high-profile transactions, leveraging my long-standing relationships within the industry.”

    Howden India CEO & MD Amit Agarwal added, “We are proud to welcome Mandira to our team. Her appointment strengthens Howden India’s dynamic growth and firm dedication to enhancing its expertise in the PE and M&A sectors, as we continue to expand our capabilities and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

    With India fast becoming one of the most dynamic M&A markets in the world, and deal tables growing longer by the day, Howden’s latest hire isn’t just timely, it’s tactical. And with Mandira Gupta leading the charge, the message is clear: big deals need bigger vision and even sharper minds.

  • Pallavi Gupta gears up as head of marketing to steer Hero Cycles’ marketing wheels into high-speed growth

    Pallavi Gupta gears up as head of marketing to steer Hero Cycles’ marketing wheels into high-speed growth

    MUMBAI: Cycling to success is no leisurely ride—it demands grit, gears, and a bit of daring. Pallavi Gupta, known for pedalling brands to new heights, now clips into the saddle as the new head of marketing at Hero Cycles Ltd. The homegrown giant, synonymous with trust and two-wheeled dreams across generations, has called on Gupta to steer its leap from a national favourite to a global mobility and lifestyle powerhouse.

    “Excited to announce my new role as the head of marketing at Hero Cycles Ltd! Hero Cycles, India’s renowned cycling brand, stands for innovation, trust, and progress across generations. It’s an honor to contribute to its transformation into a global mobility and lifestyle leader. Grateful to mentors, teams, and colleagues for their inspiration and challenges along my journey. Looking forward to driving #Innovation, #Sustainability, and #BrandExcellence in this new chapter,” Gupta posted on Linkedin.

    Hero Cycles, which has held pride of place in India’s cycling landscape, now aims to go full throttle on innovation and sustainability as core pillars of its next chapter. Gupta’s appointment signals a fresh burst of energy into the brand’s marketing journey, pairing legacy with bold new ambition.

    With experience in brand strategy, growth management, and consumer insights, Gupta’s leadership promises to keep Hero Cycles firmly on the competitive trail.

    Hero Cycles continues to dominate not just India’s imagination but its roads as well, with plans to pedal even harder into markets worldwide. As the cycling world shifts towards green mobility and lifestyle integration, Hero Cycles looks ready to claim more miles and minds, with Gupta leading the charge.