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Category: People

  • Rohitash Srivastava joins 82.5 Communications as chief strategy officer

    Rohitash Srivastava joins 82.5 Communications as chief strategy officer

    MUMBAI: 82.5 Communications has appointed Rohitash Srivastava as its new chief strategy officer in a move that underscores the agency’s commitment to strengthening its strategic capabilities and accelerating growth. This internal transfer within the Ogilvy Group brings Srivastava’s two decades of experience as a communication planner, experience strategist, and brand consultant to the agency.

    Previously prominent strategic planning at Ogilvy India (north), Srivastava has shaped the brand strategies of industry giants, including The Coca-Cola Company, GSK’s Eno, Dabur India, Perfetti, Mother Dairy, and RSPL Group. His expertise in consumer-centric thinking and brand-building will play a pivotal role in 82.5 Communications’ continued success.

    “82.5 Communications is on a fantastic growth journey, fueled by the great work our teams are producing,” said  82.5 Communications CEO Kiran Ramamurthy. “Srivastava’s strategic acumen and proven track record are exactly what we need to accelerate this momentum. Srivastava thrives on simplifying complex challenges and making brand strategy feel refreshingly clear and actionable, with an approach rooted in common sense, conversation, and creativity.”

    Srivastava added, “82.5 is fast becoming the growth engine for Ogilvy, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this transformative moment. The talent and energy I see in Ramamurthy, our COO, and our CCOs Anuraag and Mayur make 82.5 a powerhouse of modern brand-building. We have great momentum, we’re already putting out some fantastic work, and this is just the beginning.”

    Srivastava’s accolades include multiple Effie awards, including a Gold and three Silvers in APAC Effies, and recognition as India’s Top Digital Planner by Digital Market Asia and Business World in 2016. He is also an academic contributor, teaching brand strategy at MICA and MET Mumbai and publishing insights in Brand Equity, WARC, and Campaign India.

  • Equitas brings in Balaji Nuthalapadi to hardwire its digital backbone

    Equitas brings in Balaji Nuthalapadi to hardwire its digital backbone

    MUMBAI: India’s second-largest small finance bank just added some serious tech muscle. Equitas Small Finance Bank has appointed Balaji Nuthalapadi as executive director – technology and operations, signalling a sharp push towards tech-led transformation, seamless customer journeys and operational muscle.

    The appointment, effective 29 March 2025, has received the green light from both the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank’s Board. With this move, Equitas is throwing down the digital gauntlet, placing a proven transformation leader at the heart of its operations.

    “We are delighted to welcome Balaji Nuthalapadi to our leadership team. His vast experience in banking operations, technology and digital transformation will be a valuable asset as we continue to enhance our operational efficiency and drive innovation. His passion for digital banking, financial inclusion and social impact aligns seamlessly with the values and mission of Equitas Small Finance Bank,” said Equitas Small Finance Bank MD & CEO Vasudevan P N.

    Nuthalapadi joins the Chennai-based bank with a CV that reads like a fintech playbook. At Citi Bank, he served as MD & head of centralised controls testing execution. There, he built a 1,100-member India team—one of the largest in global banking—to oversee international controls testing.

    Previously, as MD & head of operations and technology for Citi south Asia, he helmed functions across India and southeast Asia, playing a crucial role in expanding Citi’s global hubs in India. An IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, he brings over two decades of hands-on expertise across operations, digital banking, and wealth management.

    Now, Equitas is counting on that arsenal of experience to turbocharge its already impressive growth story. With a stronghold in financial inclusion and digital-first banking, the bank sees Balaji as the lynchpin of its future tech playbook.

    The question now: how fast can he turn transformation into traction?

  • Jain Amar stitches a new chapter with Akhil Jain as MD & CEO

    Jain Amar stitches a new chapter with Akhil Jain as MD & CEO

    MUMBAI: In the fast-paced world of fashion, it takes more than just good tailoring to survive—it takes a visionary with the swagger of a brand builder and the precision of a CFO. Jain Amar, the powerhouse behind Madame, Camla Barcelona, and Msecret, just handed the reins to one such sharp dresser: Akhil Jain. As of April 2025, he takes over as MD & CEO.

    And this isn’t a ceremonial title change tucked into an HR memo. It’s a strategic style reboot. The announcement came hot off the ramp at the Jain Amar Leadership Summit 2025, attended by the top 25 leaders including board members and HODs. The agenda? Growth, governance, and getting IPO-ready by 2027. No pressure.

    Akhil is no rookie parachuted in for optics. A scion of the promoter family and a NIFT alum with an executive toolkit from IIM-A and Harvard, he’s been grinding across the brand’s verticals for over 20 years. Until now, he served as executive director, overseeing brand strategy, tech integration and retail reinvention—basically turning buzzwords into bottom lines.

    In his new role, Akhil is tasked with driving growth across online and offline channels, creating a unified brand voice, and embedding DAR (Decision-Action-Responsibility) frameworks across operations. Oh, and let’s not forget tighter budget controls and investing in people power.

    “This is not just a new role—it’s a new rhythm. We’re moving from isolated departments to a single unified movement. I believe Jain Amar’s next era will be defined by how well we align people, process, and purpose. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and excited to lead this extraordinary team into the future,” said Akhil.

    The board, for its part, seems anything but nervous. Instead, they called Akhil’s elevation “timely”, especially in a landscape where fashion brands are juggling digital disruption, fickle consumer behaviour, and the existential crisis known as AI.

    With an IPO on the horizon and a generational leader at the wheel, Jain Amar is clearly done playing dress-up. Now, it’s game on.

  • DDB Tribal north strengthens team with Ashna Nandrajog and Mohini Varma

    DDB Tribal north strengthens team with Ashna Nandrajog and Mohini Varma

    MUMBAI: DDB Mudra Group has announced a boost at DDB Tribal north, appointing Ashna Nandrajog as senior vice president – business and Mohini Varma as executive vice president – planning. This strategic move aims to fuel growth, creativity, and innovation.

    Nandrajog, a 20-year industry veteran, has worked with global brands like Bata, Ford, and Maruti Suzuki at top agencies including Contract, FCB Ulka, Ogilvy, and Publicis Capital. Her passion for travel and family fuels her dynamic approach to brand-building.

    Varma, an award-winning strategist and former NDTV correspondent, has shaped brand narratives for Netflix, Google, and Pepsico while working at Toaster, FCB, and JWT. She holds a Gold APAC Effie for impactful campaigns that drive real-world change.

    DDB Tribal president Ashutosh Sawhney said, “We’re scaling new heights, pushing boundaries, and hungrier than ever. The industry thrives on exceptional talent, and in Nandrajog and Varma, we’ve found the perfect blend of fire and maturity to capitalize on the immense opportunities before us, delivering outstanding work for our clients and building formidable teams.”

    Nandrajog said, “In an era of rapid digital transformation, DDB Mudra Group stands out for its integrated approach. I’m thrilled to join a company that champions brand building through impactful creativity and delivers holistic solutions across its diverse businesses. I’m eager to contribute to DDB’s continued growth and success.”

    Mohini Varma added, “At DDB, we believe in emotionally resonant creativity, rooted in deep human insights, that transform brands, markets, and culture. In a world where attention is a premium, genuine insights are paramount. I’m excited to co-author the next chapter of growth for our dynamic brands.”

    With two powerhouse leaders on board, DDB Tribal north is poised for an exciting phase of creative excellence and strategic expansion.
     

  • Dhruv Agarwala steps down as REA India CEO after 14-year realty ride

    Dhruv Agarwala steps down as REA India CEO after 14-year realty ride

    MUMBAI: Every real estate empire eventually needs a handover. After a 14-year rollercoaster ride that saw him go from startup founder to digital property mogul, Dhruv Agarwala is stepping down as CEO of REA India. But before you break out the farewell tissues, he isn’t ghosting the company just yet. Agarwala will stick around to smooth the leadership transition while REA Group hunts for a new captain.

    The announcement came on 3 April 2025, marking the end of an era for REA India—the umbrella behind digital platforms Housing.com and PropTiger.com. Agarwala, who co-founded PropTiger back in 2011, led it through its acquisition by REA Group in 2020 after their initial investment in 2017. And then, like any good business thriller, came the merger with Housing.com, which he integrated and scaled into India’s top real estate app.

    “It has been a privilege leading REA India and I’m incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together. From founding PropTiger in 2011 to growing Housing.com into India’s foremost digital real estate platform, it has been an amazing journey. Now feels like the right time for me to step away and create space for new leadership to take the company forward. REA India is in great shape – with a clear strategy, a strong team, and a powerful brand that’s changing the way people experience property in India. I look forward to watching the company continue to grow and thrive from the sidelines,” said Agarwala.

    REA Group CEO Owen Wilson had only praise for the outgoing chief. “Dhruv is an exceptional entrepreneur and has harnessed the rapid expansion of digital real estate in India to build a high growth business. He has created a culture of innovation and developed a talented team who have delivered a market-leading audience and significant revenue growth in a highly competitive market. He leaves behind a considerable legacy that will have a lasting impact.”

    Under Agarwala’s watch, Housing.com became the digital playground for millions of property seekers in India, with app-prime experiences that redefined how Indians click and pick their dream homes. His team pushed boundaries, attracted eyeballs, and racked up enviable growth metrics in a market cluttered with players and plagued by trust issues.

    The CEO exit might be bittersweet, but REA India isn’t homeless. The group says a strong management team is already in place, and the succession plan is underway.

    Agarwala, signing off with a nod to his team and mentors, added, “I want to thank the passionate and talented team at REA India for their passion and commitment and belief in the vision. We’ve accomplished great success together but there’s more to be done and I know they will continue to deliver on our exciting strategy. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Owen Wilson, REA Group and News Corp for their support over the years and for sharing my vision and ambition for the real estate ecosystem in India.”

    With this farewell, the curtain falls on one of India’s most impactful digital real estate stints—a legacy built on clicks, code, and the chaos of Indian property dreams.

  • Unilever ropes in Noopur Bapna as media and digital marketing lead for ice-creams

    Unilever ropes in Noopur Bapna as media and digital marketing lead for ice-creams

    MUMBAI: Noopur Bapna has taken the plunge into the frosty world of frozen desserts, nabbing the coveted position of media and digital marketing lead for ice creams at Unilever India.

    Bapna’s career path has been anything but vanilla, having most recently served as group media manager at Marico Ltd where she spent nearly three years climbing the corporate ladder. Prior to this chilling new appointment, she honed her digital chops at GroupM, where she rose from senior director to partner during a two-and-a-half-year stint.

    Her CV boasts an impressive medley of media roles, with previous positions at The Social Street, where she spent nearly five years as media supervisor, and earlier gigs at the Times Group and DDB Mudra, where she cut her teeth on brands such as BPCL, Kuoni and World Gold Council.

    Bapna’s has  a well-stocked toolbox of skills to her new role, including media strategy, digital strategy and social media expertise—all essential ingredients in today’s marketing mix. 

    Unilever’s ice cream portfolio, which includes global heavyweights such as Magnum, Cornetto and Wall’s, will now benefit from Bapna’s digital savvy as the company continues to battle for supremacy in India’s increasingly competitive frozen treats market.

    The appointment comes at a time when digital marketing for consumables is heating up, even for products that need to stay below zero. With summer approaching in the subcontinent, the timing couldn’t be more delicious for both Bapna and Unilever.

  • Sanjeev Kulkarni appointed as VP & national sales head at Pudhari Publications

    Sanjeev Kulkarni appointed as VP & national sales head at Pudhari Publications

    MUMBAI: Sanjeev Kulkarni has been appointed as vice president & national head – sales & marketing at Pudhari Publications Pvt. Ltd. In his new role, he will spearhead sales and marketing efforts across print, television, FM, and outdoor media, focusing on expanding market presence and driving business growth.

    Kulkarni, with over 25 years of experience, previously at VRL Media served as vice president – sales, marketing & business development, publisher of Karnataka’s Vijayavani. During his 11-year tenure, he led advertising sales and brand marketing for Vijayavani, Dighvijay 24×7 News Channel, and Vijayavani.net.

    Prior to VRL, at Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. (The Times of India Group) as general manager – west head, overseeing revenue generation across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. His expertise in market expansion, innovative advertising strategies, and brand building has significantly contributed to his success in the media sector.

    Kulkarni’s journey in media sales began at VPL Printers & Publishers, where he played a pivotal role in advertising revenue growth for nearly eight years. Recognised as a team builder and market strategist, he has consistently delivered impactful client solutions, boosting revenue and market share for prominent publications.  
     

  • Debmalya Sen plugs into power as new IESA president amid green tech charge

    Debmalya Sen plugs into power as new IESA president amid green tech charge

    MUMBAI: India’s clean energy movement just got a serious upgrade. The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) named Debmalya Sen as its new president, handing the reins to a man who knows his way around everything from green hydrogen to giga factories. With his appointment now official, IESA is doubling down on its mission to turn India into a global powerhouse for clean tech, storage solutions, and e-mobility innovation.

    And let’s just say: this isn’t Sen’s first energy rodeo. The former India lead – advanced energy solutions at the World Economic Forum has been elbow-deep in the country’s energy transformation efforts, sparring with policy, partnering with ministries, and pushing for scalable, sustainable growth.

    “With the increasing role of energy storage and clean technologies in achieving India’s net-zero goals, I look forward to driving innovation, policy support, and industry collaboration to accelerate the sector’s growth,” said Sen.

    As president, Sen now spearheads strategic initiatives, high-voltage partnerships, and regulatory lobbying to expand the footprint of battery storage, green hydrogen, and smart mobility. Backed by a 180+ strong membership base, IESA has evolved into India’s largest industry alliance across cleantech, EVs, hydrogen, renewables, and microgrids. Founded by Customized Energy Solutions in 2012, the alliance has grown into a nerve centre for energy innovation.

    “His experience in battery storage, grid modernisation, and green hydrogen development will strengthen IESA’s mission to create a sustainable and resilient energy future,” said Customized Energy Solutions India Pvt Ltd MD Vinayak Walimbe.

    IESA has more tentacles than a clean-energy octopus. Its India Battery Manufacturing & Supply Chain Council (IBMSCC) focuses on localising the supply chain for India’s upcoming giga factories. Meanwhile, the India Electric Mobility Council (IEMC) zips ahead with R&D and clean transport manufacturing. The India Green Hydrogen Council (IGHC) and Stationary Energy Storage India (SESI) Council focus on R&D and deployment for industrial use and national grid resilience.

    And that’s not all. The IESA Reuse & Recycling Council (IRRC) tackles end-of-life challenges with global best practices in battery recycling. The Startup and Innovation Initiative, meanwhile, scouts future disruptors in India and abroad looking to crack the market with breakthrough tech.

    With Sen at the helm, expect less jargon and more joules. 

  • NPCI ropes in Sohini Rajola to supercharge growth and partnerships

    NPCI ropes in Sohini Rajola to supercharge growth and partnerships

    MUMBAI: If India’s digital payments sector were a rocket, NPCI just strapped a turbo booster to its engine. On 2 April 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India appointed industry heavyweight Sohini Rajola as executive director – growth, a move that signals the organisation is gunning for scale, speed and sharper innovation.

    With two decades of experience spanning the length and breadth of banking and payments, Rajola has swapped her global briefcase at Western Union, where she served as Asia Pacific regional head, for a high-voltage mandate back home.

    Her to-do list? Massive.

    At NPCI, Rajola will lead the adoption of the corporation’s payment solutions across the nation, sharpen its product strategy, spearhead marketing innovation, and drive aggressive go-to-market tactics. She’ll also wrangle strategic alliances with banks, fintech players, regulators and government agencies. If it has a PIN code and a payment gateway, chances are she’s involved.

    “Sohini brings with her a wealth of experience in the payments and digital banking space. Her expertise will be invaluable in leading forward-thinking initiatives and driving innovative technical solutions to address both current and future market demands. We are confident that she will play a key role in advancing our mission to provide secure, seamless digital payment solutions for all. We welcome Sohini to the NPCI Group,” said NPCI MD & CEO Dilip Asbe.

    Rajola’s past includes heavyweight stints at Axis Bank, where she headed digital banking and cards, and a proven track record of navigating the complex corridors of digital transformation in the financial sector. Her return to India’s payment backbone couldn’t be more timely, as NPCI scales its solutions beyond borders and further entrenches UPI and RuPay into daily life.

    With Rajola now in the cockpit, expect more firepower from India’s payments mothership.

     

  • Bishwajeet Samal drives back to India to take the wheel at Volkswagen

    Bishwajeet Samal drives back to India to take the wheel at Volkswagen

    MUMBAI: In the breakneck world of auto branding, one man just took a U-turn—with flair. Bishwajeet Samal, the marketing maestro with nearly two decades of strategy-fuelled acceleration across global marquees, has returned to Indian turf as the new head of marketing & PR at Volkswagen India. And let’s just say—he’s not parking gently.

    Announced in April 2025, this move marks Samal’s homecoming after a four year stint at the Wolfsburg HQ where he drove Volkswagen’s global media engine like a high-performance ID.7 on the Autobahn. His resume reads like a greatest hits of automotive communication: global brand campaigns, electric vehicle launches, joint business deals with digital behemoths like Google and Meta, and a knack for turning media chaos into KPI gold.

    Before swapping currywurst for curry once again, Samal held the role of global lead – campaigns & media management at Volkswagen, where he handled 360-degree integrated campaigns for icons like the Tiguan, Golf, and the all-new Tayron. He also led global media strategy, orchestrated agency pitches, and advised regional markets from Europe to India and Russia. Now he’s back to do what he does best—shift Indian brand narratives into top gear.

    “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as head of marketing & PR at Volkswagen India!” Samal shared on Linkedin, with all the calm of a man who has helmed marketing for the world’s second-largest car manufacturer.

    This isn’t his first lap around the VW India circuit. From 2018 to 2020, he already wore the marketing crown, implementing brand transformations and ROI-rich strategies while juggling PR, CRM, digital, and retail like a marketing octopus. Even before that, he held key regional media roles and was instrumental in Volkswagen’s brand entry into the Indian market.

    Samal’s return to the Indian division comes at a pivotal moment. As Volkswagen looks to redefine its market strategy in a fiercely competitive automotive landscape, having a globe-trotting strategist at the helm could be the turbocharged push the brand needs.

    From spearheading the company’s IPL campaigns in its early India innings to commanding boardroom tables in Wolfsburg, Samal has driven both reach and relevance. Now he’s back on native soil—helmet off, sleeves rolled—and ready to hit the gas.