ITV

Category: People

  • Bajaj Electricals appoints Sanjay Sachdeva as MD & CEO

    Bajaj Electricals appoints Sanjay Sachdeva as MD & CEO

    MUMBAI:  Bajaj Electricals Limited has announced the appointment of Sanjay Sachdeva as its new managing director & chief executive officer, effective 15 April 2025.

    With over three decades of experience at Hindustan Unilever, Sachdeva has held key management roles across Brazil, China, the middle east, north Africa, Turkey, and Russia. His most recent role was as managing director & CEO of Unilever Japan.

    In his new role at Bajaj Electricals, he will oversee all business verticals and operations, bringing his extensive global expertise to the company.

    Bajaj Electricals chairman Shekhar Bajaj, said, “I am delighted to welcome Sachdeva as our new MD & CEO. Having worked in various countries, including India, he brings a fresh perspective and a strategic vision that aligns with our goal of delivering exceptional value to our consumers and stakeholders. We are confident that under his management, Bajaj Electricals will continue to thrive and achieve new heights, and I look forward to working with him in building a global organisation.”

    Sachdeva said, “I am honoured to join Bajaj Electricals, a company with a rich heritage and a strong reputation for innovation, quality, and ethics. I look forward to working with the chairman, Shekhar, and the talented team at Bajaj Electricals to drive sustainable growth and create significant long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

  • MaxIQ plugs in AI ace Sastry Malladi as CTO to power up its next big leap

    MaxIQ plugs in AI ace Sastry Malladi as CTO to power up its next big leap

    MUMBAI: MaxIQ didn’t just hire a CTO; it summoned a Silicon Valley warlock. With three decades of engineering sorcery under his belt, Sastry Malladi has joined the AI startup as chief technology officer—and he’s not here to play nice with traditional revenue models. Backed by Dell Technologies Capital and Intel Capital, MaxIQ just added a whole lot of firepower to its AI engine.

    The appointment of Malladi comes at a time when MaxIQ is gearing up for hypergrowth. He will lead the company’s product and engineering teams as they expand their Revenue AI platform—a brainy beast designed to help B2B SaaS teams turn messy sales pipelines into clean, predictable growth machines.

    Malladi is no stranger to the startup trenches. He co-founded FogHorn Systems (later snapped up by Johnson Controls), built large-scale platforms at eBay and Oracle, and holds the kind of AI chops that make recruiters weep with envy. Now, he’s bringing that playbook to MaxIQ.

    “I’m thrilled to join the leadership team at MaxIQ during this pivotal growth phase. Today’s revenue teams are operating in silos—disconnected tools for sales and success lead to inaccurate forecasts, missed handoffs, and lost opportunities. With Revenue AI, we have the chance to change the game. I’m excited to build the platform that brings it all together,” said Malladi.

    At MaxIQ, he’ll lead the development of its Agentic AI capabilities. That includes forecasting, onboarding, product adoption, and revenue expansion—all in one unified dashboard that’s less spreadsheet, more smart rocket.

    His arrival follows MaxIQ’s recent $7.8 million seed round, led by Dell Technologies Capital and supported by Intel Capital. With fresh funding and a battle-tested CTO in place, the company is ready to turbocharge its R&D roadmap and hire globally.

    CEO Matt Hickey didn’t hold back on the praise. “Sastry’s track record of technical excellence and entrepreneurial success speaks for itself. He’s the right leader to help us scale the next-generation platform that today’s GTM teams have been waiting for.”

    As B2B SaaS companies scramble to align sales, customer success, and RevOps, MaxIQ is rolling out the AI red carpet. From deal qualification to onboarding and renewals, it’s offering a one-stop revenue command centre—and with Malladi now at the helm, the platform is only getting sharper.

  • Anil Agarwal embraces Ghibli AI trend, showcasing digital innovation

    Anil Agarwal embraces Ghibli AI trend, showcasing digital innovation

    MUMBAI: Vedanta Ltd. chairman, Anil Agarwal, has joined the viral Ghibli AI trend, aligning himself with global figures such as Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Assam’s chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma. His participation brings an Indian corporate head into the evolving digital landscape.

    Vedanta has long championed a tech-driven, digital-first approach, leveraging automation and innovation to enhance efficiency and operational excellence. Now, engaging with this AI-powered trend, Agarwal said, “Today the youngsters in my office were trying a new feature on Chatgpt jisse Ghibli-style art banta hai. So, I asked them to make one for me too. Zamana toh AI ka hi hai and I have started using it recently. It comes up with such amazing results.”

    Beyond its own operations, Vedanta actively promotes technological advancements, integrating AI and automation while fostering innovation across industries. The company’s commitment extends beyond business, embracing cultural and digital shifts that shape the future.

  • Gulf Oil fuels its sales engine with Biresh Singh in the driver’s seat

    Gulf Oil fuels its sales engine with Biresh Singh in the driver’s seat

    MUMBAI: It isn’t every day that a seasoned sales general straps in for another ride. But when the road ahead promises a high-speed transformation and a pit crew hungry for growth, the engines are bound to roar. Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd. (GOLIL) has shifted gears and brought in a new navigator. Meet Biresh Singh, a 26-year industry vet with a history of turning sluggish sales machines into slick, high-performance units.

    Gulf Oil confirmed Singh’s appointment as senior vice president – channel sales. The move is more than a standard hire; it’s a full-throttle play to supercharge Gulf’s B2C growth and dig deep into the digital trenches. Singh, who cut his teeth at Castrol India, knows a thing or two about sales transformation, route-to-market revamps and keeping the channel engine humming.

    In his new role, Singh will steer Gulf Oil’s B2C channel expansion strategy, fine-tune route-to-market efficiencies, and plug in digital tools to maximise sales output. And timing? Spot on. The lubricants game is changing, with India’s auto and industrial sectors demanding faster, smarter, cleaner solutions.

    Singh brings a decorated toolkit. With a resume stretching over two and a half decades, he’s led business units clocking over Rs 1,000 crore, partnered with top-tier consultants, and built future-ready sales models. From pushing digital enablement to reshaping how field teams hit targets, Singh has done it all—without stalling.

    “We are delighted to welcome Biresh Singh to the Gulf Oil family,” said Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd MD & CEO Ravi Chawla. “His deep expertise in channel sales, sales transformation, and digital integration aligns perfectly with our vision of strengthening our go-to-market strategy. With our expanding presence across automotive, infrastructure, and industrial sectors aligning with India’s growth story, we have an exceptional opportunity to revolutionise and future-proof our channel sales strategy. As the lubricants industry continues to evolve, Biresh’s leadership will play a crucial role in expanding our channel footprint and driving sustainable business growth.”

    Singh, equally revved up, responded, “I am thrilled to join Gulf at such a pivotal moment as the brand reshapes its marketing approach and leads the way in product innovation with customers at the core. I look forward to leveraging my experience in sales transformation, digital adoption, and strategic execution to enhance Gulf Oil’s market reach and deepen customer engagement.”

    Armed with a mechanical engineering degree and polished at IIM Ahmedabad’s MDP programme, Singh also boasts credentials from BP’s elite CAPS leadership programme. He isn’t just here to man the wheel—he’s here to redesign the car.

    Gulf Oil’s move signals a strategic shift: out with business-as-usual, in with velocity, vision, and some digital grit. With Singh calling the sales plays, GOLIL is banking on smarter routes, stronger connections, and serious market mileage.

  • Orkla India bulks up boardroom with quartet of new directors

    Orkla India bulks up boardroom with quartet of new directors

    MUMBAI:  Orkla India has given its board a significant makeover, welcoming four new non-executive independent directors and expanding its ranks to eight. The move aims to bolster the company’s strategic direction and strengthen its corporate governance.

    The new additions – Rashmi Joshi, Amit Jain, Shantanu Khosla, and Meena Ganesh – join the existing board members: chairman Atle Vidar Nagel Johansen, Maria Syse-Nybraaten, Per Havard Skiaker Maelen, and Sanjay Sharma. This expansion ensures a broad spectrum of expertise across multiple domains, a vital ingredient for Orkla India’s ambitious growth plans.

    “We’re assembling a dream team,” said an inside source, “a blend of seasoned pros and fresh perspectives to drive us forward.”

    The restructuring is a clear indication of Orkla India’s commitment to robust corporate governance, aligning with its strategic objectives. “This isn’t just about filling seats,” a company spokesperson explained, “it’s about building a powerhouse board, ready to tackle any challenge.”

  • Routematic steers towards growth with new people and culture chief

    Routematic steers towards growth with new people and culture chief

    MUMBAI: Routematic, have recruited Chidananda Murthy as their new vice president of people and culture. Murthy, a seasoned HR veteran, is tasked with transforming Routematic’s people strategy.

    Murthy’s background spans major firms – Walmart, Nokia, and others. He’s experienced in all aspects of HR, aiming for a less stressful workplace.

    Routematic co-founder and executive director Kavitha Ramachandragowda is clearly chuffed with the appointment. “Murthy’s expertise is like a shot of adrenaline for our growth,” she says. “He’ll ensure we attract the best and brightest, and keep them happy.”

    Murthy’s mission is to cultivate a culture of innovation and inclusivity. “Routematic’s at a pivotal point,” Murthy enthuses. “We’re not just moving people; we’re moving mountains.”

    Routematic, with its recent Hyderabad expansion and EV integration, is clearly on a roll. “We’re aiming for a workplace that doesn’t just tick boxes, but ignites passions,” Murthy concludes. “And hopefully, avoids any HR-related road rage.”

  • Nusummit secures Jayaraman to boost global expansion

    Nusummit secures Jayaraman to boost global expansion

    MUMBAI: Nusummit, has announced the appointment of Srinivasan Jayaraman as its chief strategy & growth officer. Srini will collaborate with the senior management team to develop Nusummit’s growth strategy, aiming to expand its global market presence and solidify its position as a trusted partner for financial institutions navigating technological change.

    Jayaraman brings 25 years of experience in scaling technology consulting and services businesses, focusing on aligning organisational growth with market opportunities. His expertise encompasses refining go-to-market strategies, accelerating revenue streams, and fostering innovation across various sectors. Prior to Nusummit, at Apexon he served as chief revenue officer, a Goldman Sachs portfolio company, overseeing global revenue strategy and profitability. He has also held senior roles at Orion Innovation, Virtusa, Tech Mahindra, and HCL, driving digital transformation programs and client-focused business models.

    Nusummit managing director & group CEO Anantharaman Sreenivasan stated, “Jayaraman’s proven ability to drive strategic growth and build high-performing teams will be instrumental in driving momentum in our growth markets. He brings a unique blend of operational excellence, market insights, and progressive vision that will significantly enhance our ability to empower clients.”

    Jayaraman emphasised his decision to join Nusummit, saying, “Financial institutions are at a critical inflection point juggling the need for operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and AI-driven innovation while mitigating rising cybersecurity threats. Nusummit’s unique ability to blend deep technical expertise with industry-specific insights positions it as a game-changer in this space. I’m excited to contribute to our next phase of growth by strengthening client partnerships, harnessing AI to enhance security and productivity, and unlocking new opportunities in high-potential markets.”

    In his new role, Jayaraman will focus on promoting Nusummit’s integrated portfolio of data, cloud, cybersecurity, and application solutions to financial services clients. He will also develop strategic partnerships to create compelling propositions for enterprise clients.

  • Times Internet clicks refresh on M&A strategy with Johney Maheshwari hire

    Times Internet clicks refresh on M&A strategy with Johney Maheshwari hire

    MUMBAI: Times Internet has made a power move in its corporate playbook, appointing Johney Maheshwari as head of corporate development. With a decade-long track record in M&A and investment banking, Maheshwari is set to lead the company’s inorganic growth strategy, strengthening its foothold in India’s dynamic digital landscape.

    Bringing experience from Razorpay, where he orchestrated high-profile acquisitions of Ezetap, Billme, and Curlec, among others, Maheshwari is no stranger to deal-making. His past stints also include investment banking at EY, where he advised financial giants like SBI, ICICI Lombard, and NIIF on M&A and fundraising. Now, at Times Internet, a company that has invested over Rs 1,000 crore in the past decade in brands like Uber, Swiggy, and Ola, his mandate is clear: accelerate strategic investments and expand the company’s digital ecosystem.

    “We are excited to welcome Johney to the Times Internet family,” said Times Internet COO Puneet Gupt. “Strategic investments and M&A have been foundational to our growth story, and with Johney’s exceptional track record and deep industry insights, we’re reinvigorating this crucial aspect of our business.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Johney Maheshwari said, “I am excited to join Times Internet and contribute to its impressive growth journey. The company’s diverse portfolio and ambitious vision present tremendous opportunities for strategic investments and acquisitions. I look forward to working with the talented teams across the organization to identify and execute value-creating opportunities that will accelerate our growth trajectory and expand our digital ecosystem.”

    With Maheshwari at the helm of corporate development, Times Internet is doubling down on its commitment to shaping the future of India’s digital economy, one strategic move at a time.

  • Texmaco Rail & Engineering reshuffles key financial and compliance roles

    Texmaco Rail & Engineering reshuffles key financial and compliance roles

    MUMBAI: Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd. has announced significant management changes to enhance its financial oversight and regulatory framework.

    Following a board meeting today, the company approved key appointments based on recommendations from the nomination and remuneration committee.

    From 1 April 2025, Kishor Kumar Rajgaria will take over as chief financial officer (CFO). Previously serving as Joint CFO and company secretary, he has over two decades of experience in business planning, taxation, internal audit, and governance. His contributions have been integral to Texmaco’s financial strategy and compliance framework.

    Additionally, Manaksia, SREI, and Emami veteran Sandeep Kumar Sultania will assume the role of company secretary & compliance officer. A seasoned professional with 27 years of experience, he has held management positions in these companies. As a chartered accountant, company secretary, & cost & management accountant, he brings extensive expertise in strategic finance, auditing, and regulatory compliance.

    Commenting on the changes, vice chairman & executive director Indrajit Mookerjee said, “These management changes mark an exciting phase for Texmaco Rail & Engineering Rajgaria and Sultania’s extensive expertise and proven track records will play a vital role in further enhancing the company’s financial strength and compliance framework. I am confident that under their leadership, Texmaco will continue to achieve milestones in its growth journey.”

    Managing director Sudipta Mukherjee added, “We are delighted to welcome Sultania into the management team and congratulate Rajgaria on his new role. Their appointments reflect our dedication to building a resilient organisation poised to meet evolving industry demands. Both head bring invaluable experience and strategic acumen, which will undoubtedly reinforce Texmaco’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth.”

    These appointments underscore Texmaco Rail’s commitment to strengthening its corporate governance and financial strategy, ensuring a solid foundation for future growth.

  • Siemens Energy India: power shift as demerger sparks big moves

    Siemens Energy India: power shift as demerger sparks big moves

    MUMBAI: The energy game at Siemens just got a positive jolt. The National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai, has sanctioned the long-awaited demerger of Siemens Ltd’s energy business, officially spinning it off into Siemens Energy India Ltd (SEIL) from 1 March 2025.

    The result? A major corporate power shift. All Siemens employees in its energy business now belong to SEIL, turbocharging its ranks with key talent. Among them, Guilherme Vieira De Mendonca, the former head of Siemens’ energy business, now takes the wheel as managing director and chief executive officer of SEIL. Harish Shekar, the finance head, has also made the leap, stepping into the role of executive director and chief financial officer.

    These heavyweight appointments are, of course, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, but the writing is on the wall. With the energy transition heating up, SEIL looks ready to charge ahead. Watch this space.