ITV

Category: People

  • Taapsee Pannu becomes Nivea’s first Indian global brand ambassador

    Taapsee Pannu becomes Nivea’s first Indian global brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: Nivea India, the country’s most trusted skincare brand, has unveiled cinema star Taapsee Pannu as its first-ever Indian global brand ambassador, launching a new era of skincare innovation with the Nivea Soft Daily UV moisturiser.

    The latest product from Nivea blends 48-hour hydration with 88 per cent UV protection, offering a fuss-free solution for modern consumers who crave lightweight, non-sticky skincare that performs. With its nourishing blend of Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Jojoba Extracts, the Daily UV variant retains the fast-absorbing texture of the original Nivea Soft, now supercharged for sun protection indoors and out.

    To celebrate the launch, Nivea released a cheerful TVC featuring Pannu enjoying sunny moments with friends, highlighting how easily the product slips into everyday life protecting and hydrating without missing a beat.

    “I’ve always believed that skincare should be simple, effective and effortless. With Nivea Soft Daily UV, I get the hydration my skin needs and the UV protection it deserves, all in one lightweight formula. It’s the perfect daily companion for fresh and glowing skin!” said Pannu.

    Nivea India marketing director Shweta Dalal added, “With Nivea Soft Daily UV, we’re addressing the growing need for everyday hydration with added UV protection in a formula that remains true to the much-loved Nivea Soft experience.”

    The launch also coincided with a high-profile visit by Beiersdorf global CEO Vincent Warnery, to India in February. His meeting with Pannu marked the beginning of her global ambassador journey, reinforcing Nivea’s long-term commitment to India and highlighting the nation’s growing Nivea Soft Daily UV is now available online and at retail outlets across India, priced at, Rs 165 for 50ml, Rs 325 for 100ml, Rs 520 for 200ml.
     

  • Bankersklub hires Gaurav Kathuria to lead marketing and partnerships in growth-hungry fintech blitz

    Bankersklub hires Gaurav Kathuria to lead marketing and partnerships in growth-hungry fintech blitz

    MUMBAI: In the mad scramble for fintech dominance, where buzzwords fly faster than balance sheets, Bankersklub has just made a power move. The corporate finance aggregator – already making waves by blending old-school banking smarts with new-age startup hustle – has roped in Gaurav Kathuria as its head of marketing & partnerships. It’s the kind of appointment that says, “We’re not just playing to survive – we’re scaling to dominate.”

    Kathuria’s appointment is a key piece in Bankersklub’s playbook to build a sustainable, scalable fintech brand that’s not afraid to speak the language of VCs, IPOs and big-ticket clients. And with over 20 years of experience across marketing, growth, and digital transformation – including stints at The Times of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Visa Inc., and Home Credit – Kathuria isn’t here to faff around.

    In his new role, he’ll lead everything from partnerships and integrated campaigns to performance marketing, content creation and automation. Basically, he’ll be the man behind the fintech curtain, pulling levers that drive brand visibility and lead generation while the rest of us wonder how they suddenly appeared on every timeline and podcast.

    Welcoming him on board, Bankersklub founder & CEO Rajat Chopra stated, “We are excited to welcome Gaurav as our head of marketing & partnerships. His demonstrated success in brand development, client engagement, and strategic partnerships aligns perfectly with our vision for Bankersklub’s growth. Gaurav’s leadership and expertise will help us scale successful marketing and relationship-building strategies. We are confident that by cultivating high-impact partnerships and optimizing marketing efforts, Gaurav’s leadership will play a key role in propelling Bankersklub to new heights in a competitive marketplace.”

    True to fintech form, this isn’t just about making noise – it’s about making it measurable.

    And Kathuria gets that.

    “I am excited to join Bankersklub and contribute to its mission of facilitating strategic investment opportunities for high-growth companies. My goal is to leverage data-driven marketing strategies and optimize performance across digital and offline channels to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. By forging strategic partnerships and alliances, I aim to position Bankersklub as a trusted platform for Pre-IPO, IPO, and Growth Capital stage companies. I look forward to driving scalable and sustainable growth by aligning marketing initiatives with business objectives and delivering measurable outcomes,” said Kathuria.

    Armed with Martech know-how, automation wizardry, and a knack for demand generation, Kathuria’s reputation for turning campaign dashboards into deal flow could be the secret sauce Bankersklub needs to keep climbing the fintech food chain.

  • Team Marksmen engages industry heavyweights to sharpen its strategic edge

    Team Marksmen engages industry heavyweights to sharpen its strategic edge

    MUMBAI: In a move that screams ‘boardroom but make it bold’, Team Marksmen Network (TMN) has taken a solid step up the influence ladder by unveiling its newly minted advisory board—a hand-picked league of industry legends, policy powerhouses, and innovation whisperers.

    Known for stirring India’s business cauldron with hot-brewed insights and sharp-edged forums, TMN has now doubled down on its mission to lead transformation across sectors with a boardroom stacked with brainpower and bragging rights.

    Let’s talk lineup. You’ve got Tayeb Kamali—education bigwig from the UAE Ministry of Interior and a man whose Rolodex probably includes half of Silicon Valley and most of Abu Dhabi. There’s C.P. Gurnani, the man who made digital transformation sexy back when people still said “blockchain” with a straight face. Add to that Datin Seri Sunita Rajakumar, a climate warrior in a boardroom blazer, juggling global councils, professorships, and multiple directorships while saving the planet.

    If that wasn’t enough, Suresh Prabhu—yes, that Suresh Prabhu—brings his weight as a six-time MP and former Union Minister across 10 different ministries (we’re exhausted just writing that). Rounding it out is Ajay Dua, economic policy ace and former Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, who knows how to make sense of GDPs, FDI flows, and government jargon like nobody else.

    This star-studded power panel has one goal: steer TMN’s future with grit, gravitas, and global vision.

    “Collaboration is key to meaningful change. With such accomplished leaders guiding us, we are set to elevate industry dialogue and knowledge-sharing to new heights,” said co-founders Rajesh Khubchandani, Akash Tiwari, and Sharad Gupta.

    CEO Rishi Kapoor added, “This marks a new phase of growth for TMN. With our Advisory Board’s guidance, we will strengthen our strategic initiatives, drive impactful discussions, and create lasting industry transformation.”

    As the network broadens its footprint across sectors, expect sharper debates, smarter policies, and boardroom brawls with a side of insight. With this squad steering the ship, the business ecosystem should buckle up for a wild, wise ride.

  • Virat Kohli drops Puma for Agilitas

    Virat Kohli drops Puma for Agilitas

    MUMBAI: Indian cricket maestro and RCB long-timer  Virat Kohli switched teams. The 36 year old has pulled the plug on his eight-year partnership with Puma, and has reportedly put his best foot forward to back Agilitas Sports, an Indian athleisure startup. The star batter, currently in red-hot form in IPL 2025, is now not just the face of Agilitas but also an investor, signalling a bold move to champion homegrown brands.

    Agilitas was founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, Puma India’s former managing director. The brand has already made waves, securing long-term rights for Italian sportswear giant Lotto in India, Australia, and South Africa. Now, with Kohli on board, Agilitas is gearing up for a serious innings in the global sportswear arena.

    Kohli’s split from Puma marks the end of a landmark Rs 110 crore deal that revolutionised Indian sports marketing. The partnership saw him lead multiple campaigns and launch the popular One8 line, a crucial driver in Puma’s rise in the Indian market.

    Puma acknowledged the departure, thanking Kohli for an “outstanding journey filled with memorable campaigns and collaborations.” The brand vowed to continue investing in the next generation of athletes.

    Meanwhile, Kohli remains focused on both his new business venture and his cricketing form. The RCB stalwart has racked up 180 runs in his last five IPL innings and is set to face Rajasthan Royals on 13 April.

    Whether on the pitch or in the boardroom, Kohli continues to rewrite the game.

  • Yum Brands adds flavour to tech with Manish Jain at the India GCC helm

    Yum Brands adds flavour to tech with Manish Jain at the India GCC helm

    MUMBAI: A tech topping on a global pizza, Yum! Brands is stirring the pot in India with a spicy leadership update. The parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill has appointed Manish Jain to lead its digital and technology (D&T) India Global Capability Centre (GCC).

    Jain will take charge of Yum!’s India-based digital operations and shared services, bringing to the table over two decades of experience spanning the US, Malaysia and India. He will report directly to James Watts, chief people officer, Yum! digital & technology.

    Yum!’s D&T India GCC is a crucial cog in the company’s global engine, tasked with building tech solutions and supporting services across all Yum! brands. Jain’s appointment marks a strategic step forward in reinforcing India’s position as a digital powerhouse for the global quick-service restaurant (QSR) giant.

    “I am honored to take on this role and excited to help build the India Global Capability Centre in support of Yum! Brands’ strategy for good growth and its goal to be an employer of choice in the region,” Manish Jain said.

    Before joining Yum!, Jain served as service director for the Asia-Pacific region and India country head at Getronics International, overseeing customer success and shared services. He was also the founding director of BT Group’s Global Business Services unit in India, where he spent over 10 years scaling operations from the ground up.

    With Jain at the helm, Yum! Brands aims to not just scale digitally but serve up innovation with a side of world-class culture. His appointment is expected to bolster the GCC’s ambitions in tech development and shared services, reinforcing India’s growing influence in global operations.

  • Cifdaq doubles down on firepower with high-stakes C-suite shake-up

    Cifdaq doubles down on firepower with high-stakes C-suite shake-up

    MUMBAI: There’s a storm brewing in the crypto world, and Cifdaq Group is flying straight into it — but not without bolstering its cockpit first. The blockchain beast has just recruited two heavyweight copilots to chart its next big leap in the Indian and global markets. Enter: Ankur Sharma as group chief financial officer (CFO) and Smrita Singh Chandra as group chief brand and communications officer (CBCO).

    These aren’t just titles to slap on a LinkedIn update. Sharma and Chandra bring over 35 years of combined experience to a Web3 outfit that’s got its eyes set on a multi-billion-dollar future. According to company brass, the move is about more than beefing up the leadership bench — it’s a statement of intent.

    “The cryptocurrency industry is growing at an unprecedented pace, projected to attain a valuation of $5 billion globally by 2030. These appointments are part of our strategy to build a future-ready leadership team capable of navigating rapid change, scaling operations, and creating meaningful impact. Ankur will be instrumental in refining our financial strategy, strengthening investor relations, and enabling sustainable growth. Smrita’s strategic storytelling expertise will be key to building trust and strengthening engagement across stakeholders—from consumers and regulators to partners worldwide. Together, they will help us fortify our foundation, drive innovation, and elevate our brand as we continue to lead in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. We’re excited to welcome them aboard at this transformative moment,” said Cifdaq group founder & chairman Himanshu Maradiya.

    Sharma comes packing some serious numbers. With a track record that includes turbocharging boAt’s omni-channel revenue almost threefold in under three years, he’s now in charge of cracking the crypto-finance code at Cifdaq. Past roles at Cravatex (FILA, VANS), AGS Group and Reliance Capital make Sharma less of a CFO and more of a revenue ninja.

    “Cifdaq Group is at the cutting edge of blockchain and digital finance, and I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to support its acceleration towards the next chapter. With a strong foundation in place, my focus will be on refining our financial strategy to unlock new growth opportunities, streamline operations, and ensure that we’re well positioned to deliver long-term value to both, our users and investors”, said Sharma.

    Chandra, meanwhile, joins the war room with a megaphone in one hand and a brand manual in the other. With nearly two decades shaping brand and policy narratives — from Dream11 to Fedex to Jet Airways — she’s the communications powerhouse Cifdaq wants as it courts regulators, dodges FUD, and chases user trust.

    “Joining Cifdaq at this pivotal moment is an exciting opportunity and a challenge. As we redefine the future of blockchain and financial technology, my focus is on amplifying our brand voice and reinforcing our values—transparency, trust, compliance, and innovation—to connect meaningfully with both Indian and global communities”, she said.

    With the crypto market ballooning and India’s digital asset debate simmering on low heat, these appointments mark a crucial play. If the future of finance is being rewritten, Cifdaq wants a firm grip on the pen — and it just handed it to two of the sharpest scribes around.

  • Home run for Home Credit as Vivek Singh takes charge as CEO

    Home run for Home Credit as Vivek Singh takes charge as CEO

    MUMBAI: The credit game just got a power boost. At its board meeting on April 7, 2025, Home Credit India appointed Vivek Singh as its new chief executive officer, marking a strategic move under the TVS Holdings umbrella to chart the next phase of growth. With over two decades of experience across financial services and digital innovation, Singh’s appointment signals a future focused on scale, inclusion, and tech-led transformation.

    Known for his hands-on leadership and sharp strategic insight, Singh has previously held senior roles in top financial institutions, steering businesses through periods of exponential growth. As he steps into his new role at Home Credit India, he brings with him a vision rooted in accessibility and responsible lending.

    TVS Holdings director K Gopala Desikan, said on this appointment: “Home Credit India has played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion across the country. We are confident that Vivek’s deep understanding of the Indian financial landscape, particularly in the consumer & retail finance space, coupled with his proven ability to drive growth and innovation, will be invaluable as we move forward and strengthen the business of Home Credit India and build upon its strong foundation.”

    Home Credit India CEO Vivek Singh said, “It’s an honour to lead Home Credit India at a time when technology is revolutionising how we serve customers.  I am committed to fostering innovation, enhancing customer experience, and expanding access to responsible credit. Home Credit India’s strong market presence provides a tremendous opportunity to further enhance our offerings, broaden our reach, and drive greater financial inclusion across the country. Together with the team, I look forward to shaping a more inclusive, responsible and tech-forward financial ecosystem in India.”

    An MBA with numerous industry accolades under his belt, Singh has earned a reputation for building future-ready financial ecosystems. At Home Credit, he will lead efforts to broaden the reach of affordable credit while ensuring it’s delivered transparently and responsibly.

    As the company pivots toward more tech-forward operations, Singh’s leadership is expected to catalyse a new era for Home Credit India one where innovation meets impact, and finance meets inclusivity.

  • Cleartrip appoints Manjari Singhal as new chief growth and business officer

    Cleartrip appoints Manjari Singhal as new chief growth and business officer

    MUMBAI: Cleartrip, has announced a key transition as Anuj Rathi exits his role as chief growth & business officer. Taking on the reins is Manjari Singhal, who will now oversee Business, Growth, Marketing, and Customer Experience at Cleartrip.

    Over the next month, Singhal will collaborate closely with Rathi to ensure a smooth handover. Rathi departs after a milestone year where Cleartrip surged forward on the back of enhanced user engagement and successful agship initiatives such as Novac 2025 (Nation on Vacation) which saw a record spike in bookings.

    Rathi said, “It’s been an incredible ride leading Cleartrip. From flagship events like Nation on Vacation and Big Billion Days to strengthening customer trust, our focus was always on creating a superior product experience. As I move on, I do so with deep pride in the team and confidence that Cleartrip will continue to raise the bar under Manjari’s leadership.”

    Flipkart senior vice president Ajay Veer Yadav acknowledged Rathi’s contributions and welcomed the incoming executive. “We thank Rathi for his immense contributions to Cleartrip over the past year. His leadership has helped the platform scale to new heights, and we wish him the very best as he embarks on his next chapter,” he said.

    He added, “Travel is a significant focus for us at Flipkart, and we are deeply committed to investing in and scaling the business to unlock its huge potential. We are excited to welcome Singhal into this pivotal role. With her proven leadership, strategic vision, and deep understanding of customer behaviour, we are confident that she will continue to drive growth and lead Cleartrip into its next phase of expansion.”

    Singhal said, “Cleartrip has built a strong foundation as a travel-first brand with a customer-first philosophy. I am excited to take on this role and work alongside an exceptional team to unlock the immense potential in travel. With 2025 being a critical year for growth, our focus will be on driving value, enhancing customer experiences, and delivering innovations that make travel simpler and more rewarding for every Indian.”

    Since joining Flipkart in 2019, Manjari has worked across various functions, including Events, Customer Growth, and Platform. She currently manages the Beauty, FMCG, and General Merchandise business and is known for her strategic execution and collaborative approach.

  • Madhuri Singh joins Tamarind Global Dubai as client servicing manager

    Madhuri Singh joins Tamarind Global Dubai as client servicing manager

    MUMBAI: Tamarind Global Dubai has announced the appointment of Madhuri Singh as manager – client servicing, marking a strategic move to enhance client experiences across its MICE, weddings, and luxury travel verticals.

    With over 11 years of hands-on experience in sales and business development within the hospitality industry, Singh brings a refined understanding of client needs and operational finesse. Her strong industry networks and technical expertise in hospitality make her a valuable addition to the Tamarind Global team.

    Before joining Tamarind Global, Singh was at Media One Hotel as the corporate sales manager, Dubai, where she spearheaded business expansion initiatives and played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and brand recognition.

    Her professional journey also includes notable stints at Equifax Travel & Tourism, Foodlink Global, and Millennium Group of Hotels, where she worked closely on high-profile luxury weddings and events. She has handled clientele and events for premium properties such as Armada Bluebay and Flora Creek Deluxe.

    Armed with an MBA in Marketing Management from Jaipur National University, Singh combines creativity, strategy, and a sharp customer focus—qualities she now brings to her new role.

    Tamarind Global managing partner Louis D’Souza said, “We are excited to welcome Madhuri to our team. A seasoned professional with in-depth experience, industry know-how, and commitment to incomparable client service together make Madhuri truly aligned with Tamarind Global’s vision. We look forward to her invaluable contributions in strengthening our position in the luxury travel and event management sectors in Dubai.”

  • Hitachi gives Bharat Kaushal the top job to power India’s next big leap

    Hitachi gives Bharat Kaushal the top job to power India’s next big leap

    MUMBAI: There are power moves, and then there are power-grid-level promotions. In a strategic reshuffle that signals its intent to double down on India, Hitachi Ltd. has elevated Bharat Kaushal to a triple-threat role: Executive chairman, acting managing director of Hitachi India, and corporate officer in charge of regional strategies (India). Effective 1 April 2025, this marks a milestone not just for the company, but for Indian corporate leadership.

    The announcement, made on 9 April 2025, cements Kaushal’s place as a central architect of Hitachi’s Indian ambitions. Already the first Indian MD of Hitachi India since FY2017, Kaushal now commands a wider brief to steer the tech giant’s India game plan, from urban mobility to financial inclusion.

    “I am truly honored and overwhelmed on the trust and confidence placed upon me in steering the future growth for Hitachi in India… Hitachi India is evolving and offering an unparalleled opportunity to further advance its vision of delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions…” etched Kaushal

    Kaushal has been no passenger in Hitachi’s Indian journey. Under his watch, the company expanded its presence in energy, infrastructure, healthcare, e-education, and urban mobility, building strong government and public sector alliances.

    Now, with India galloping toward its digital destiny, Kaushal’s elevation reads less like succession and more like strategic ignition. As corporate officer in charge of regional strategy, he’ll design Hitachi’s playbook for a market that’s already a tech titan in the making.

    And let’s face it—Hitachi is no stranger to Indian soil. It’s been around for over nine decades, partnering in everything from railway tech to rural empowerment. But this move signals a new tempo: local leadership for local impact.

    As Kaushal put it, the focus now is on last-mile delivery and solutions that create a “socially empowered society”. That’s not just corporate-speak. That’s policy-aligned, purpose-led growth.

    Hitachi is betting that innovation rooted in India, led by Indians, is the secret to not just surviving the future, but building it.