ITV

Category: People

  • DSP Mutual Fund snaps up marketing powerhouse Aparna Kulkarni

    DSP Mutual Fund snaps up marketing powerhouse Aparna Kulkarni

    MUMBAI: Aparna Kulkarni has stepped into the role of vice president of consumer marketing at DSP Mutual Fund, leaving behind a glittering six-year stint at the Natural Diamond Council.

    At the Natural Diamond Council, Kulkarni built what she calls “the world’s biggest content publishing platform” for natural diamonds, masterminding celebrity campaigns and driving digital performance.

    Her impressive media background includes key positions at Times Network, where she headed marketing for premium movie channels, and Star India, where she managed high-profile shows including Siya Ke Ram and MasterChef India.

    Kulkarni now takes charge of brand marketing and investor education at DSP, bringing her content expertise and digital savvy to the financial services firm at a time when mutual funds are racing to connect with India’s rapidly expanding retail investor base.

    From entertainment to luxury to finance, Kulkarni’s fast-paced career shows no signs of slowing as she takes on this latest challenge at the respected fund house.

  • Chelliah exits Western Digital, leaves strong marketing legacy

    Chelliah exits Western Digital, leaves strong marketing legacy

    MUMBAI: Jaganathan Chelliah has concluded his 11-year association with Western Digital, ending a period marked by significant marketing achievements. His tenure, including a recent consulting phase, saw him drive substantial growth and innovation within the company.

    Chelliah acknowledged the mentorship he received from senior leaders, including Nigel Edwards and Greg Kwolek, crediting them with empowering his ambitious goals. He highlighted strong partnerships with sales teams across India, the Middle East, Turkey, Israel, and Africa, emphasizing the collaborative success between marketing and sales.

    His leadership of the IMEA regional marketing team delivered consistent brand leadership, innovative campaigns, and strategic growth initiatives. He praised his team’s performance, citing their numerous awards and recognitions, and acknowledged their contributions to setting new industry benchmarks.

    A key achievement was the establishment of the Global Creative Development Hub in India, a project realized after five years of effort. He thanked Ravi Pendekanti, Brian Mallari, and Scott Jackson for their support in bringing the hub to fruition.

    Chelliah also recognized the early career support from Rajesh Gupta and Gopal Swaminathan.
    Looking forward, Chelliah indicated a potential focus on AI, noting the dynamic state of the technology sector. He stated he will take time for reflection before announcing his next steps.

  • Kondur climbs to director Times Experiences

    Kondur climbs to director Times Experiences

    MUMBAI: Sundar Kondur has announced his move to Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd. (The Times of India), taking on the role of director – Times Experiences. This appointment marks a significant shift for Kondur, a seasoned sales professional, into the realm of experiential events, where he promises to weave “logic of numbers with magic of ideas,”.

    Kondur’s ascent within the Times group is notable. He previously held senior positions, including senior vice president and regional head – south, where he consistently delivered strong sales performance. 

    Before his tenure at the Times group, Kondur held a vice president – advertising sales role at Kasturi & Sons, Ltd., where he was responsible for national sales at The Hindu. There, he is credited with achieving record revenue growth and recruiting a substantial number of new advertisers, contributing to the company’s turnaround.

    His earlier stint at the Times group included a long tenure as vice president and response head, where he oversaw advertising sales for various publications, including Vijay Karnataka and Bangalore Mirror. He also served as publisher and general manager at Mid Day, launching the Bangalore edition and driving significant revenue growth.

  • IDfy banks on Malcolm Gomes to drive trust at scale in digital economy

    IDfy banks on Malcolm Gomes to drive trust at scale in digital economy

    MUMBAI: Trust issues? Not on Malcolm Gomes’ watch. Idfy, Asia’s leading identity verification platform, has brought on board Malcolm Gomes as its new chief operating officer, betting big on his two-decade-long expertise in strategy and transformation to power its next phase of growth. In his new role, Gomes will lead Idfy’s Trust and Privacy Platform ‘Privy’, oversee global operations, and spearhead industry-specific propositions as part of the company’s mission to eliminate fraud and scale trust in a fast-growing digital economy.

    A former Partner at McKinsey & Co., Gomes has spent the last 17 years advising financial services clients across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. His expertise spans digital transformation, AI-led service operations, customer experience, and business-building all of which align seamlessly with Idfy’s ambition to cement itself as the go-to platform for trust-based digital interactions.

    IDfy CEO Ashok Hariharan said, “We are thrilled to welcome Malcolm to the Idfy leadership team. His deep experience in strategy and driving transformation across markets is a perfect match for IDfy’s mission of enabling trust atscale. Malcolm’s strategic vision and operational expertise will be instrumental as we expand our product suite, strengthen our propositions, and scale globally. I look forward to partnering with him as we continue to raise the bar for innovation and impact in this space.”

    Malcolm sharing his excitement about joining Idfy said, “Trust is the fundamental currency of the ever-increasing, transacting world around us as increasingly more people and businesses get formalized; frequency of interactions and transactions increase driven by rising consumption; and interaction touchpoints multiply e.g., AI bots, Home delivery; the need to ensure trust grows manifold. Having worked with multiple institutions on their Board and CEO agendas over several years, I am hugely excited about how IDfy’s current and future ‘Trust’ offerings – can make a significant difference for customers and organisations.”

    With Gomes stepping into this crucial role, Idfy is doubling down on its commitment to helping businesses confidently engage with customers, verify identities, and mitigate risk all without compromising user experience.

    As trust becomes the bedrock of the digital economy, Idfy’s bet on Gomes could be the game-changer that takes the company from a powerful enabler to a category-defining force.

  • Arthalpha adds market heavyweights to its boardroom to crunch smarter numbers

    Arthalpha adds market heavyweights to its boardroom to crunch smarter numbers

    MUMBAI: When alpha meets intellect, the boardroom gets bullish

    In a move that screams serious intent and sharp thinking, Arthalpha, the brainy kid on India’s quant-finance block, has just flexed its ambition with two big-ticket appointments. DSP Mutual Fund MD & CEO Kalpen Parekh has joined as board observer, and fintech founder & ex-banker Kunal Bajaj has come aboard as board advisor. Cue the calculators and champagne.

    The appointments bring over 40 years of collective market muscle into Arthalpha’s strategic cockpit, reinforcing its focus on blending artificial intelligence with real-world experience. Call it machine learning with street smarts.

    “We are delighted to welcome Kalpen Parekh and Kunal Bajaj to Arthalpha… Their strategic insights will be invaluable as we push the boundaries of quantitative finance,” said Arthalpha CEO & CIO Rohit Beri.

    Parekh has been around the market block more than once. With a resume that reads like the Nifty’s who’s who—ICICI, Birla Sun Life, IDFC, and now DSP—he’s spent over 20 years shaping long-term investment playbooks and decoding market moods.

    “Arthalpha’s approach to integrating human intelligence with advanced quantitative methods is truly groundbreaking… I look forward to supporting their mission,” Parekh said, dusting off any doubt about his hands-on involvement.

    Meanwhile, Bajaj brings his own set of war stories. From power seats at Goldman Sachs Japan, Credit Suisse, CLSA and Jefferies, to founding Clearfunds, which later merged with MobiKwik, Bajaj has done it all—capital markets, M&A, and building fintechs from scratch.

    “Arthalpha is at the forefront of quantitative finance innovation… I am excited to contribute to their strategic growth and product innovation,” Bajaj said, presumably while scanning charts for his next big bet.

    With AI-powered investing sweeping the globe, Arthalpha wants to lead the pack—not trail it. And with its turbocharged board now stacked with two of the sharpest minds in finance, expect more disruption, smarter products, and a very interesting FY25.

     

  • Amit Balwani joins Authbridge as SVP – tech to boost innovation drive

    Amit Balwani joins Authbridge as SVP – tech to boost innovation drive

    MUMBAI: Authbridge, has appointed Amit Balwani as senior vice president technology, as the company sets its sights on deeper innovation and next-gen tech adoption.

    With over two decades of experience, Balwani brings rich expertise in AI integration, data engineering, event-driven systems, and API-first ecosystems. He has previously worked with well-known firms including Ecom Express, Paytm, Expedia Group, Nagarro, and TCS.

    At Paytm, he played a vital role in building conversational platforms, while at Ecom Express, he drove large-scale technology modernisation efforts across the board.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Balwani to the Authbridge family,” said Authbridge founder & CEO Ajay Trehan. “His deep understanding of emerging technologies and strategic approach to innovation will help us accelerate our mission to redefine identity management and authentication solutions.”

    An alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, Balwani holds a Bachelor’s in Technology. Outside the office, he enjoys travelling, music, tech podcasts, and playing table tennis with his child.

    Sharing his excitement about the new role, he said, “Authbridge is at the forefront of technology-driven authentication solutions. I look forward to contributing to its growth and driving technological excellence.”
     

  • Due diligence pays dividends as Alea elevates Dhananjay Saraswat

    Due diligence pays dividends as Alea elevates Dhananjay Saraswat

    MUMBAI: Climbing the corporate ladder is no easy feat unless, of course, you’ve built it rung by rung yourself. Alea Consulting has announced the elevation of long-time team member Dhananjay Saraswat to the role of director of operations, recognising a decade’s worth of sharp investigative acumen, operational finesse, and an unwavering eye for detail.

    Saraswat, whose portfolio spans compliance, fraud investigations, due diligence, and hidden asset tracing, has been instrumental in steering Alea’s operational ship. From managing clients to ensuring deliveries stay on point, and even spearheading expansion efforts, he’s worn multiple hats and evidently, worn them well.

    Alea Consulting founder Deepak Bhawnani states, “Dhananjay is a pivotal part of our team for many years. His contributions and leadership skills to drive various projects are unparalleled. This promotion underscores how one can achieve growth based on merit and performance. As we elevate the company and expand our business with new service lines and into new geographies, Dhananjay will continue to play a crucial role.”

    Before becoming Alea’s go-to troubleshooter, Saraswat was at Gerson Lehrman Group, where he juggled stakeholders across domestic and global landscapes. Armed with an MBA in marketing and finance from IILM University and a slew of credentials including certifications from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and a 2024 programme from IIM Ahmedabad his academic arsenal is as formidable as his professional one.

    As Alea Consulting eyes new geographies and service lines, Saraswat’s promotion signals more than just internal growth, it marks a strategic step in fortifying the firm’s future with someone who already knows its foundations inside out.

  • Honasa’s CMO bids adieu, CEO Varun Alagh steps in to steer the ship

    Honasa’s CMO bids adieu, CEO Varun Alagh steps in to steer the ship

    MUMBAI: Another boardroom chair just started spinning at Honasa Consumer Ltd. On 5 April 2025, the parent company of Mamaearth confirmed that Anuja Mishra, chief marketing officer and senior management personnel, has resigned from her position citing personal reasons. Her resignation takes effect from the close of business hours on 30 June 2025.

    The announcement, disclosed via a stock exchange filing, comes at a pivotal time for the D2C beauty and personal care giant. In the interim, CEO and whole time director Varun Alagh will don another hat, assuming the charge of CMO until a successor is named.

    honsaMishra, who joined the brand to helm its marketing leadership, thanked co-founders Varun and Ghazal Alagh in her official resignation letter, writing, “I want to thank Ghazal and you for this incredible opportunity. I will be just a phone call away and will always be rooting for Honasa’s success.”

    The company has updated its website and official channels with the leadership change. In line with SEBI’s Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements, Honasa also shared the requisite details under Regulation 30.

    While no replacement has been officially announced yet, the move places extra weight on Alagh, who now juggles brand-building and boardroom strategy. As Honasa edges toward deeper expansion and increased investor scrutiny, its marketing direction will be under the spotlight.
     

  • Marketing bricks with clicks Kanika Sharma joins Neworld as VP

    Marketing bricks with clicks Kanika Sharma joins Neworld as VP

    MUMBAI: From billboards to blueprints, Kanika Sharma is laying down a fresh marketing foundation, this time as vice president of marketing at Neworld Developers. The appointment signals a strategic push by the real estate firm to bolster its brand and buyer connect across India’s most competitive markets, including Delhi-NCR.

    Sharma, who’s built a reputation for turning real estate brands into household names, now takes charge of Neworld’s marketing strategies across residential and commercial verticals. Her mission? Elevate the brand’s presence and drive customer-centric campaigns that strike a chord with today’s discerning buyers.

    “I am honoured to join Neworld Developers at this exciting juncture,” Sharma said. “The company’s dedication to innovation and excellence resonates with my passion for creating meaningful brand experiences. I look forward to leading initiatives that will contribute to Neworld’s growth and deepen engagement with our customers and stakeholders.”

    Sharma’s real estate credentials are as solid as the properties she’s helped market. Most recently, she helmed corporate marketing at Geetanjali Homestate Private Limited, where her campaigns made measurable dents in brand recall and visibility. Prior to that, she played a pivotal role at Gupta Builders & Promoters in Chandigarh, focusing on both business expansion and brand storytelling in a notoriously crowded market.

    Her addition to Neworld’s leadership comes as the company ramps up its development pipeline, aiming to blend premium real estate with sustainability. With Sharma at the marketing helm, the goal is to cut through the clutter and craft narratives that stick, not just in metros, but in emerging urban hubs too.

    For an industry that often builds first and brands later, Sharma’s appointment is a nod to the growing power of perception in property. And if her track record is anything to go by, Neworld might just be constructing more than buildings, it’s setting the stage for a bold brand revival.

  • Motorola dials up marketing game, appoints Gagandeep Bedi to lead India brand blitz

    Motorola dials up marketing game, appoints Gagandeep Bedi to lead India brand blitz

    MUMBAI: Motorola just hit the speed dial on its India playbook. On 4 March 2025, the company announced Gagandeep Bedi as its new head of marketing for Motorola Mobility India. And let’s just say, this hire isn’t a soft launch—it’s a statement.

    Reporting to Motorola Asia Pacific head of marketing Shivam Ranjan, Bedi will lead the brand’s marketing orchestra across the Indian terrain—where the smartphone war isn’t fought with specs alone, but with story, swagger and smart strategy.

    “I am thrilled to join Motorola at such an exciting time in its growth journey. Motorola is an iconic brand with a strong legacy of innovation, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to further strengthen its market presence in India,” said Bedi. “With a rapidly evolving consumer landscape, I am eager to drive impactful marketing strategies, enhance brand engagement, and contribute to the brand’s continued success in the country.”

    Bedi comes equipped with a 17-year track record across top-tier names—Infinix, Tecno, Beetel, Reliance Jio, Samsung and Bharti Retail—where he’s launched and scaled brands, cracked GTM strategies, and helmed show-stopping product rollouts. From telcos to tech, his marketing toolkit’s seen more action than a flagship launch day.

    “As we continue to expand our presence in India, I am excited to welcome Gagandeep Bedi to the team,” said Ranjan. “India is a key growth market for us in Asia Pacific and we are committed to grow aspiration and desire for our brand in the market.”

    And it’s not just corporate optimism talking. Over the past two years, Motorola has seen double-digit premium-to-market growth and triple-digit YoY growth over the last three quarters. That’s not just momentum—it’s a market mood swing.

    As Motorola revs up its innovation engine and sharpens its brand voice, Bedi’s entry could be the high-impact, high-decibel move the brand needs to dominate India’s hyper-competitive smartphone space.