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Category: People

  • Foundit plugs in Tarun Sharma as CPTO to turbocharge its tech and talent game

    Foundit plugs in Tarun Sharma as CPTO to turbocharge its tech and talent game

    MUMBAI: Bengaluru’s job tech scene just got a caffeine shot. Foundit, formerly known as Monster APAC & ME, has hired Tarun Sharma as its new chief product and technology officer (CPTO). The move signals a serious tech-up for the job platform that wants to be less “CVs and filters” and more “AI and precision hiring” across Asia-Pacific and the middle east.

    Sharma isn’t your average tech lead. He’s the kind of guy who’s been there, debugged that. With a career spanning Paypal, Yahoo, Walmart, Naukri.com and Maersk, he’s basically the Avengers of product and tech. Now, Foundit wants him to bring that blockbuster energy to the world of recruitment, using AI and data to connect talent with jobs faster than a recruiter ghosting a follow-up email.

    “At Foundit, we’re reimagining the recruitment experience through deep tech, AI, and hyper-personalisation. Tarun’s appointment as chief product and technology officer strengthens this vision. With his extensive experience in building scalable, user-first platforms, he will be instrumental in driving innovation and enhancing our precision hiring capabilities to deliver smarter hiring decisions for job seekers and recruiters across APAC and the middle east,” said Foundit CEO V Suresh.

    Sharma, clearly not one to shy away from a challenge, added, “This is an exciting moment for the recruitment ecosystem, and Foundit is at the forefront of shaping what’s next. I look forward to building intuitive, data-driven experiences that not only empower job seekers and recruiters but also set new benchmarks in the recruitment landscape.”

    Before this gig, Sharma led platform and experience transformations at Maersk, taking global logistics from clunky to clicky. His track record covers digital payments, machine learning, monetisation, and scalable product architecture. Basically, if it plugs into the internet, Sharma has probably fixed, built, or scaled it.

    Oh, and he’s not just a boardroom brain. He moonlights as an angel investor and startup whisperer, backing early-stage ventures in travel, fintech, and AI.

    Sharma holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from NIT Durgapur. A solid combo of brains, bandwidth, and backend logic.

  • Sujata stirs up growth with Akshaya Vasishth as new marketing head

    Sujata stirs up growth with Akshaya Vasishth as new marketing head

    MUMBAI: Sujata Appliances has turned up the marketing heat with the appointment of Akshaya Vasishth as chief marketing officer (CMO) for its appliances division. Known for its robust mixer-grinders, the brand is now expanding into a premium range of small domestic appliances and Vasishth is expected to be the force that propels this next phase.

    With over 18 years of experience leading brand growth across global FMCG giants like Sun Pharma, Abbvie APAC, Himalaya Wellness, and Hamdard Foods, Vasishth brings serious marketing muscle to the table. He has also worn the entrepreneurial hat as the founder of the digital health platform GCC+ and is an alumnus of IIM Lucknow.

    “Akshaya’s dynamic leadership and deep marketing expertise come at a pivotal time for us as we expand into new categories and premium segments. His strategic vision will be instrumental in strengthening Sujata’s brand presence and driving the next phase of growth.” says Management, Sujata.

    “Akshaya’s dynamic leadership and deep marketing expertise come at a pivotal time for us as we expand into new categories and premium segments. His strategic vision will be instrumental in strengthening Sujata’s brand presence and driving the next phase of growth,” said Sujata Appliances chief marketing officer Akshaya Vasishth.

    Established in 1979, Sujata Appliances has long been a household staple in Indian kitchens. With its recent foray into hand blenders, breakfast appliances, and irons, the brand is evolving from a functional favourite to a premium lifestyle choice. Under Vasishth’s leadership, the company aims to blend innovation, digital transformation, and expansion into a recipe for long-term success.

  • Manuj Arora appointed director, ads at Myntra

    Manuj Arora appointed director, ads at Myntra

    MUMBAI: Manuj Arora has taken on the role of director at Myntra. He moves into this position after nearly seven years with the online fashion retailer, where he previously held the titles of deputy director from April 2020 and associate director for three years starting in April 2022. During his time as associate director, his responsibilities included leading the gift card and strategic alliances businesses, as well as overseeing approximately 50 per cent of Myntra’s advertising business across various product categories.

    Prior to joining Myntra, Arora served as a manager at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) for two years. His experience also includes a role as associate group head at Reliance Broadcast Network, where he focused on business development through advertising sales and integrated marketing solutions. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Zee Media Corp Ltd (DNA) as an assistant manager in sales and at Colgate Palmolive in customer development.

    In his new role as director at Myntra, Arora will be responsible for Myntra ads, brand partnerships, strategic alliances, and gift cards.

  • RAK on the rise as Vishal Bhatia takes charge of India market push

    RAK on the rise as Vishal Bhatia takes charge of India market push

    MUMBAI: From the Queen’s land to the land of dunes, Vishal Bhatia is ready to chart new trails. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has appointed travel industry veteran Vishal Bhatia as India market director, a strategic move to turbocharge the emirate’s presence in one of its most promising source markets. Based in Mumbai, Bhatia will drive the destination’s operations and outreach in India, aiming to make Ras Al Khaimah the top-of-mind escape for everything from luxury leisure to dreamy desert weddings.

    Bhatia brings with him over two decades of experience, including an impactful stint as country manager at VisitBritain, where he helped shape the UK’s India tourism gameplan. Now, he’s turning his attention to the sun-kissed beaches and rugged mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, a destination already climbing the charts among Indian holidaymakers.

    RAKTDA vice president for destination tourism development Iyad Rasbey said, “Vishal’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as we continue to see strong growth from India. With his deep understanding of the market and relevant expertise, he will support our efforts to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal among Indian travellers as a year- round destination. He will also play a key role in tapping into the destination wedding segment, which continues to show promising potential for the Emirate.”

    Commenting on his new role, Bhatia said, “Joining RAKTDA presents a meaningful opportunity to build on the growing interest Ras Al Khaimah is receiving from India. My focus will be on strengthening trade and consumer engagement, increasing awareness across key cities, and unlocking opportunities across diverse segments. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of growth from this important market.”

    The appointment also underlines RAKTDA’s sustained investment in high-growth markets like India and its intent to tap deeper into segments like destination weddings, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), and experiential travel.

    With Bhatia at the helm, Ras Al Khaimah’s India strategy now has a seasoned navigator steering the ship, one that’s already setting sail for stronger tourism ties and record-breaking footfalls.

  • Singla’s signal boost as he steps up as ICCO Nextgen global co-chair

    Singla’s signal boost as he steps up as ICCO Nextgen global co-chair

    MUMBAI: From ESG charts to PR smarts, Aditya Vasan Singla is making waves worldwide. Aditya Vasan Singla, principal at Astrum, has been appointed co-chair of the 2025 ICCO Nextgen Board, a dynamic initiative by the International Communications Consultancy Organisation to empower young communications professionals and future-proof the industry. The announcement was made on 12 March 2025, marking a new milestone in Singla’s global leadership journey in strategic communications.

    Joining forces with Karishma Hingorani (Middle East Public Relations Association – MEPRA), Singla will lead the diverse and global Nextgen board. The newly formed cohort includes Srishti Sharma (India), Rumyana Tancheva (Bulgaria), and Zahra Zakriya (UAE), reflecting ICCO’s strong focus on cross-border collaboration and peer innovation.

    ” I feel privileged to be offered this opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest minds across the globe to aid the development of the NextGen talent and best practices for the global public relations industry. I believe it is crucial for us to collaborate and co-create solutions that push our industry forward, ensuring we are future ready and resilient.” said ICCO Nextgen Board co-chair Aditya Vasan Singla.

    Astrum founding managing partner Ashwani Singla. “ICCO’s focus on the Nextgen talent is a step in the right direction to fuel excellence and attract the brightest minds as practitioners of strategic communications. I am delighted that Aditya is contributing to advance this laudable objective.”

    The ICCO Nextgen Group is designed to attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent through research, knowledge-sharing, and real-world initiatives. As part of ICCO’s broader strategy, the board brings together emerging PR leaders to foster innovation and industry relevance in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

    Singla brings with him nearly a decade of experience in ESG and strategic communications. His resume spans major consultancies including PwC and ERM, where he steered multidisciplinary teams working with transnational giants across diverse sectors. His career kick-started in the Office of Cabinet Minister Piyush Goyal, where he was entrusted with political communications and policy research.

    An alumnus of the London School of Economics (MSc in Environmental Economics) and Aberdeen University (MA in Economics and Geography), Singla also happens to be a seasoned global traveller, making his perspective even more globally nuanced—a perfect fit for the ICCO NextGen board’s international ambitions.

    As the communications industry grapples with the demands of AI, authenticity, and shifting audience behaviours, ICCO’s move to place emerging leaders like Singla at the helm is a smart play because the future of PR isn’t just about messaging, it’s about mentorship, mission and momentum. 

  • TCM Sports hits a six with Nobel Dhingra as new chief operating officer

    TCM Sports hits a six with Nobel Dhingra as new chief operating officer

    MUMBAI: It’s not just athletes making headlines this time, it’s the boardroom getting the spotlight. TCM Sports, one of India’s most seasoned sports marketing companies, has roped in Nobel Dhingra as its new chief operating officer, signalling a bold step toward global expansion and digital reinvention.

    With over 20 years of experience in steering powerhouse brands like Dabur Red, Pepsico’s 7Up and Quaker Oats, Nestlé, and Makemytrip, Nobel now brings his marketing mojo to the high-energy world of sports. A graduate of FMS Delhi and a former youth cricketer from Chandigarh, he’s no stranger to competition or teamwork qualities that TCM is banking on as it eyes a broader international playbook.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Nobel Dhingra to theTCM family,”said TCM Sports managing director Lokesh Sharma. “His proven track record at marketing iconic brands, scaling digital businesses, and entrepreneurial acumen will be instrumental as we chart our next phase of growth and expand TCM’s global footprint. His values and passion for sports mirror the very ethos of TCM.”

    From the pitch to the corporate suite, Nobel’s journey has blended strategy and sport. Most recently, he co-founded Vansaar, a fast-growing health and personal care startup, where he helped build the brand from scratch. Prior to that, his transition from traditional brand marketing to driving digital strategy at Makemytrip marked a shift in approach one that TCM now hopes to leverage as the company deepens its presence in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and international sports circuits.

    With three decades of legacy and a renewed leadership bench, TCM Sports is gearing up for its next innings and with Dhingra at the helm, it looks like they’re aiming for a global sixer.

  • Kaff Appliances brings Nalin Kumar on board as COO to cook up its next growth recipe

    Kaff Appliances brings Nalin Kumar on board as COO to cook up its next growth recipe

    MUMBAI: Leadership changes are usually corporate chess moves. But when the boardroom gets a seasoned operator with two decades of industry firepower, it’s more of a powerplay. Kaff Appliances, the premium kitchen appliance brand with a strong foothold in Indian homes, has appointed Nalin Kumar as its chief operating officer to stir up strategy, scale, and sizzle.

    The New Delhi-based firm made the announcement this April, citing Kumar’s rich legacy in consumer durables and electronics—and his knack for turning operations into well-oiled machines. In his new role, Kumar will run point on streamlining Kaff’s national operations, while sharpening customer and partner experiences across metros and tier two towns alike.

    “We are delighted to welcome Nalin Kumar to the Kaff leadership team. His deep industry knowledge and sharp operational acumen make him an ideal fit to lead our business into its next phase of growth,” said a company spokesperson.

    Kumar has held senior roles at several top-tier appliance brands and has earned stripes in GTM strategy, channel expansion, and operational execution. Translation? He’s navigated market chaos, won channel loyalty, and survived product launches that probably gave other execs ulcers.

    “I’m excited to be part of Kaff’s journey at such a pivotal time. The brand has a strong legacy in the Indian kitchen appliance market, and I look forward to working with the team to build on that momentum and deliver meaningful value to our customers and partners,” Kumar said.

    His appointment comes at a time when Kaff is sharpening its product portfolio, doubling down on innovation, and extending its urban charm to India’s rapidly digitising small-town shoppers. Insiders suggest that Kumar’s onboarding signals a laser focus on operational finesse and agility across functions.

    At a time when the kitchen is becoming smarter, sleeker, and sassier, Kaff’s move to install a COO with hands-on retail and ops firepower is no coincidence.

    The appliances may be plug-and-play, but growing a legacy brand in a hyper-competitive market? That takes more than a timer and auto-clean tech.

  • Vivek Modi takes on brand solutions & impact role at Jiostar

    Vivek Modi takes on brand solutions & impact role at Jiostar

    MUMBAI: Vivek Modi has transitioned from his position as business head and SVP of Viacom18’s Bangla and Odia cluster to JioStar as head of brand solutions and impact.

    Modi, who shepherded Colors Bangla Cinema to the number one spot in just seven months, brings nearly two decades of media and marketing expertise to the fledgling streaming service. His shift  comes after a relatively brief 16-month stint managing the regional television portfolio.

    Before his Viacom18 spell, Modi spent five years as co-founder and director at Fickle Formula whilst simultaneously running YellowBulbs, a marketing venture he co-founded in 2015. His career trajectory includes a four-year run at Radio Mirchi, where he climbed to regional director for north and east India.

    The seasoned executive previously cut his teeth at Vodafone, J. Walter Thompson and ABP Group’s The Telegraph, amassing expertise across telecoms, advertising and print media before finding his groove in broadcasting.

  • Boardroom gets a digital dose as Liqvd Asia appoints Anasuya Ghosh

    Boardroom gets a digital dose as Liqvd Asia appoints Anasuya Ghosh

    MUMBAI: Liqvd Asia just added a bold new chapter to its governance playbook. The digital-first advertising agency has appointed Anasuya Chaudhuri-Ghosh, a seasoned hand in insurance and innovation as an Independent director to its Board, signalling a sharper strategic lens and a future-ready mindset.

    With over 25 years of cross-industry leadership, Anasuya brings a formidable blend of underwriting grit, digital transformation chops, and brand-building flair. Her appointment is aimed at not just strengthening board objectivity but also adding firepower to Liqvd Asia’s long-term growth and governance roadmap.
    Liqvd Asia founder Arnab Mitra said, “We are delighted to welcome Anu to the Board as an Independent Director. Her deep expertise in strategic leadership, digital transformation, and business operations will bring invaluable perspectives to our governance framework. Anu’s sharp strategic acumen, operational depth, and passion for digital-first thinking will add tremendous value to our boardroom conversations. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in our journey as we continue to scale with integrity, innovation, and a future-focused vision.”

    Anasuya Chaudhuri Ghosh added, “I’m excited to join the Board of Liqvd Asia at such a pivotal point in its journey. The agency’s bold, tech-forward vision and its ability to blend creativity with technology resonate deeply with my passion for digital transformation and purpose-led innovation. I look forward to collaborating with the leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen governance frameworks, and contribute to creating meaningful, long-term value for all stakeholders.”

    Anasuya’s CV reads like a masterclass in insurance sector leadership from LIC of India to Birla Sun Life, Reliance Nippon Life and IndiaFirst Life, to her current role as head of marketing at Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance (SUD Life). Notably, her work with InsurTech startups like Loop Health and ecosystem builders like the India Insurtech Association showcases her knack for marrying tradition with tech innovation.

    While she continues her role at SUD Life, Anasuya joins the Liqvd Asia board in an independent capacity offering a valuable outside-in view as the agency scales. Her inclusion also reflects a push for gender diversity and fresh, future-facing perspectives at the leadership table.

    With this appointment, Liqvd Asia sends a strong message, the boardroom is no longer just about compliance, but creativity, curiosity, and courageous growth.

  • Anymind adds horsepower with five senior hires to supercharge AI-native BPaaS transformation

    Anymind adds horsepower with five senior hires to supercharge AI-native BPaaS transformation

    MUMBAI: Anymind Group just hit the gas pedal on its AI-native ambitions and they didn’t stop for speed limits. In one of its biggest leadership reshuffles yet, the Singapore- and India-headquartered BPaaS (Business process as a service) player has appointed five heavy-hitters to steer its next-gen business engine into high gear. With talent sourced from Google, P&G, and its own rising stars, Anymind’s management garage is now fully tuned for the next leg of digital transformation.

    Announced on 16 April 2025, the appointments reflect the company’s aggressive pivot toward an AI-native BPaaS model essentially, AI meets ops meets scalability. With a focus on marketing, e-commerce, creator economy, and fulfillment, the company is throwing every tool in the tech shed at building a future-ready, hyper-scalable engine for growth.

    CEO & co-founder Kosuke Sogo put it plainly, “These appointments mark a significant step forward as we scale our solutions across Asia and beyond. With deep expertise in technology, digital commerce, and fulfillment, we’re strengthening the leadership we need to navigate the next phase of our growth and shape the future of how business is done.”

    Ryuji Takemoto takes charge as chief product officer, The company’s first-ever CPO, Takemoto has been with Anymind since day one, literally he was their first engineer in 2016. Now, he will embed AI across the company’s operations, lead the AI App Studio, and integrate next-gen product development across five engineering hubs in Tokyo, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangalore, and Hangzhou.

    “As Anymind advances our transformation to become an AI-native company, I am committed to accelerating this journey by deepening the implementation of AI technologies into our platforms and enhance feature sets,” said Takemoto.

    Shodai Fujita becomes country manager, Japan, Fujita started as a fresh grad with Anymind, cut his teeth in Thailand and Vietnam, then launched influencer marketing in Japan. After co-leading the Japanese market, he now takes full control of the company’s business in one of Asia’s biggest consumer markets.

    “Having started my career at Anymind and grown alongside the company, I’m deeply honoured to now lead our Japan business,” said Fujita, ready to ride the AI wave with local precision.

    Kiatisak Watcharapruk joins as MD of creator growth, Fresh out of Google’s Asia-Pacific HQ, where he spearheaded the launch of Gemini and other AI products, Kiatisak steps in to replace Moindy founder Punsak Limvatanayingyong. He now leads the creator growth division, which supports over 2,900 content creators globally.

    “I’m thrilled to join Anymind Group at such a pivotal time for the creator economy,” he said. “I’m particularly excited to harness the power of AI to optimise content creation, distribution, and monetisation.”

    Masaki Okawa joins as MD of strategy, Ex-P&G exec and Logipeace strategist, Okawa will be driving business across e-commerce, emerging markets, and revenue-scale initiatives. With 16 years of global FMCG experience, he’s got just the toolkit to make spreadsheets and storytelling work together. “I aspire to be a catalyst to take Anymind to the next level,” he said, adding that AI + BPaaS + business dev = his new formula for success.

    Steven Tan becomes MD of fulfillment, keeps CEO hat at Arche Digital, Having joined via the acquisition of Malaysia-based Arche Digital, Tan now expands his remit across warehousing, shipping, and Anylogi Anymind’s international logistics platform.

    “We’re taking a strategic step to drive further operational excellence and sustainable scalability,” said Tan, looking to connect the dots between offline grit and online smarts. This management power-up follows closely on the heels of Lan Anh Nguyen’s appointment as country manager for Vietnam earlier this year. With a roster this stacked, Anymind seems more than ready to drive their BPaaS machine into uncharted and AI-automated territory.