ITV

Category: People

  • Reema Jain rides off into sunset, resigns as chief information & digital officer at Hero Motocorp

    Reema Jain rides off into sunset, resigns as chief information & digital officer at Hero Motocorp

    MUMBAI: Hero Motocorp is about to lose one of its digital superheroes. Reema Jain, the driving force behind Hero’s ambitious digital transformation, decided it’s time to hang up her cape and ride off towards fresh adventures. After steering Hero Motocorp through a whirlwind digital overhaul spanning R&D, supply chains, marketing, and customer engagement, Jain officially announced her departure, effective 17 April 2025.

    Under her leadership, Hero built a robust platform-product structure, establishing from scratch a dream team specialising in data science, digital engineering, cyber security, connected platforms, martech, and cloud computing. Jain masterminded key revenue-driving platforms like direct to customer, a slick customer app, and eFin, a finance aggregator platform.

    Before her time at Hero, Jain brought digital dynamism to Vodafone Idea, Unilever, and GE, showcasing an unmatched ability to weave tech magic into corporate giants. Her tenure included significant roles such as chief digital officer at Vodafone Idea, IT director at Unilever, and multiple leadership roles at GE.

    Now, as Jain moves on, Hero Motocorp faces the challenge of filling the sizeable shoes she leaves behind. The question isn’t just who will follow—but who dares to?

    As Hero prepares to wave goodbye, one thing’s clear: Jain rewrote the digital rulebook.

  • Radisson elevates Nikhil Sharma to lead South Asia’s growth and operations

    Radisson elevates Nikhil Sharma to lead South Asia’s growth and operations

    MUMBAI: Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) is doubling down on its leadership strength, redesignating Nikhil Sharma as managing director & chief operating officer, South Asia. Having previously served as managing director & area senior vice president, Sharma will continue to spearhead RHG’s strategic expansion and operations across the region, ensuring the group’s unwavering dominance in India’s hospitality sector.

    With an in-depth understanding of South Asia’s evolving hospitality landscape, Sharma has been instrumental in RHG’s rapid growth and operational excellence. His leadership has helped solidify Radisson’s status as one of India’s largest international hotel operators, with a robust portfolio of nearly 199 hotels in operation and development.

    As one of the biggest players in India’s hospitality industry, Radisson commands an unrivalled presence in tier-1 markets like Delhi NCR, while more than 50 per cent of its footprint extends into thriving tier-2 and tier-3 cities. RHG’s diverse brand portfolio featuring Radisson Blu, Radisson Red, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites, and Radisson Individuals Retreats has successfully captured the demand for both luxury and mid-scale hospitality.

    The move to elevate Sharma’s role underscores RHG’s commitment to aligning its leadership structure with the dynamic needs of the hospitality sector. Under his guidance, Radisson continues to expand its brand presence, ensuring seamless guest experiences and operational excellence across the region.

    With South Asia’s hospitality industry on an upward trajectory, Sharma’s expanded role signals a bold step forward for RHG, reinforcing its position as a leader in India’s flourishing travel and tourism sector. For Radisson, the future looks grand, one hotel at a time.
     

  • Rategain bets big, names Anurag Jain as EVP to lead growth charge in APMEA

    Rategain bets big, names Anurag Jain as EVP to lead growth charge in APMEA

    MUMBAI: In the high-speed world of travel tech, getting left behind is about as appealing as missing your connecting flight. So, Rategain Travel Technologies has strapped itself firmly into the pilot’s seat by appointing Anurag Jain as its executive vice president for the Asia Pacific, middle east, and Africa (APMEA). With Jain at the helm, Rategain’s aiming to ensure its AI-powered solutions fly higher than ever—no turbulence allowed.

    Announced on 20 March 2025, Jain’s appointment signals Rategain’s serious play to turbocharge its growth, partnerships, and market presence. Bringing more than 20 years of heavy-hitting experience, Jain previously transformed businesses at Expedia, Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, and Godrej. At Expedia, he notably drove expansion in south Asia, Indonesia, and China, helping hotels navigate digital mazes to optimise revenue streams.

    “Anurag’s extensive experience in travel, e-commerce, and market expansion makes him an invaluable addition to Rategain,” said Rategain founder & MD Bhanu Chopra. “As APMEA continues to see rapid digital adoption and evolving travel trends, his leadership will be crucial in helping our customers maximize revenue, enhance distribution, and stay ahead in a competitive market. We are pleased to welcome him to the team as we further our mission to empower travel and hospitality businesses with AI-driven solutions, achieving unparalleled growth.”

    Equally excited, Jain stated, “I am excited to join Rategain at a time when AI-driven innovation is reshaping the travel and hospitality industry. The opportunity to work with industry leaders and bring cutting-edge solutions to hotels, airlines, and OTAs across APMEA is incredibly exciting. I look forward to driving growth, building strategic partnerships, and delivering impact in one of the most dynamic travel markets in the world.”

    An enthusiastic traveller himself, Jain enjoys exploring new destinations and is passionate about digital transformation—further proving he’s the right man to pilot Rategain’s next big leap. With Jain onboard, the journey ahead for Rategain promises to be as smooth as a first-class flight, equipped with all the latest tech upgrades.

  • Dhruv Dhawan checks in at The Trade Desk to power adtech growth in India

    Dhruv Dhawan checks in at The Trade Desk to power adtech growth in India

    MUMBAI: In a move that’s set to make waves in the adtech space, Dhruv Dhawan is joining The Trade Desk as vice president for revenue. With over two decades of expertise spanning communications, digital transformation, and consulting, Dhawan’s appointment signals a strategic push to strengthen The Trade Desk’s position in the Indian market.

    From Google to Disney+ Hotstar, Airtel to Accenture, Dhawan’s career has been a masterclass in building brands, driving sales, and shaping digital-first strategies. At Google, where he spent nearly a decade, Dhawan worked across multiple industries including telecom, financial services, FMCG, automotive, e-commerce, and retail helping businesses leverage digital tools for both online and offline growth. His most recent role as head of ads at Disney+ Hotstar saw him navigating the rapidly evolving streaming landscape, further solidifying his expertise in media and advertising.

    Beyond his industry credentials, Dhawan is also known for his passion for people development, having spearheaded sales training initiatives and workplace culture programmes focused on psychological safety and team dependability. His diverse skill set spanning product management, marketing, and consulting makes him a formidable addition to The Trade Desk’s leadership team.

    With programmatic advertising in India witnessing unprecedented growth, Dhawan’s appointment comes at a pivotal time. His vast experience in ad sales, digital evangelism, and data-driven marketing will be instrumental in driving revenue growth, forging new partnerships, and further establishing The Trade Desk as a leader in the adtech ecosystem.

  • Fintech’s new sheriff: Shishir Kataria to spin Mobikwik’s marketing magic as AVP

    Fintech’s new sheriff: Shishir Kataria to spin Mobikwik’s marketing magic as AVP

    MUMBAI: Ever tried convincing your grandad to ditch cash for a flashy QR code? Imagine doing that for millions. Enter Shishir Kataria—the man who turned fashionistas into Tata Cliq loyalists and made cricket fans binge-watch IPL as if their lives depended on it. Kataria has swapped runway trends for digital wallets, joining Mobikwik as AVP of marketing, because, hey, why not make finance fun?

    “Excited to start my journey as AVP, Marketing at Mobikwik,” said Kataria. “Fintech in India has evolved rapidly, transforming the way we transact, save, and invest. As digital payments and financial inclusion accelerate, I look forward to be a part of this journey.”

    At Mobikwik, Kataria now oversees brand, social, content, design, and creative operations. Before diving headfirst into fintech, he dazzled at Tata CLiQ, masterminding the rebranding to ‘Tata Cliq Fashion’, making Gen Z’s heart skip a beat. His strategies boosted customer acquisition and squeezed costs tighter than a budget traveller in Mumbai.

    Previously at Disney+ Hotstar, he combined cricket and entertainment, launching hits like Hotstar Dosts during IPL 2021, resulting in a whopping 30 per cent subscription spike. At Disney Star, he made IPL even bigger, drawing a record-smashing 462 million TV viewers in 2019. How’s that for knocking it out of the park?

    Kataria’s marketing prowess doesn’t stop there. He once convinced parents across India that Complan Nutrigro could turn kids into geniuses and led sales teams in Tamil Nadu with more gusto than Rajinikanth fans on premiere day.

    Can Kataria now convince a billion people to swipe more, tap less, and never see their physical wallets again? Knowing his record, it seems he’ll be laughing all the way to the digital bank.

  • Herkey appoints digital marketing veteran Wasim Sayed as VP to boost growth and brand strategy

    Herkey appoints digital marketing veteran Wasim Sayed as VP to boost growth and brand strategy

    MUMBAI: Imagine navigating a career maze with a handy GPS—sounds dreamy, right? Enter Herkey, the AI-powered fairy godmother dedicated to empowering professional women, now adding an extra turbo boost named Wasim Sayed to drive user growth and marketing. If growth hacking had a face, it’s about to get Wasim’s grin stamped all over it.

    Announced on 18 March 2025, Herkey welcomed Wasim Sayed as its new vice president of growth and marketing. His mission? To turn Herkey’s impressive strides into leaps that’d make even Olympians jealous. Sayed, who comes equipped with 17 years of wizardry in digital and product marketing, will oversee initiatives to amplify user engagement, fine-tune customer acquisition, and supercharge the brand’s presence.

    Throughout his impressive career journey—think growth-stage startups, dazzling unicorns, and even Fortune 500 giants—Sayed has consistently nailed the art of growth. He knows how to turn great ideas into thriving realities, whether it’s B2B or B2C, using his secret sauce of data-driven strategies and razor-sharp market insights.

    “I am excited to join Herkey at a pivotal stage of its journey. The platform has already made significant strides in enabling women’s career advancement, and I look forward to driving innovative marketing and growth strategies to further this mission,” Sayed shared.

    Herkey founder & CEO Neha Bagaria adds, “Wasim’s appointment comes at a time when organisations are increasingly prioritizing helping women advance their careers and increase their earning potential, making Herkey’s role in career enablement for women more relevant than ever.” Translation: They’ve hired the right guy at exactly the right time.

    Why should you care? Because Herkey isn’t just another platform—it’s practically your personal career coach on steroids. And now, with Sayed’s expert navigation, expect this platform to unlock doors faster than you can say ‘promotion’.

  • Awfis expands senior team to drive growth and innovation

    Awfis expands senior team to drive growth and innovation

    MUMBAI: Awfis has strengthened its senior team with key appointments across technology, managed office solutions, and design & build. These strategic hires aim to boost operational excellence and meet the rising demand for flexible workspaces in Tier one and Tier two cities.

    In workplace solutions and growth, strategic advisor, Sanjay Baurai will oversee initiatives related to account management, co-working, manufacturing, government liaison, M&A integration, and overall business strategy. His extensive background in corporate real estate and large-scale operations will help Awfis navigate its next phase of expansion.

    To enhance its managed office segment, national head business development and growth, Parul Seth, senior national director enterprise business, Roshan Alva, and national director sales, Rahul Kanungo join the team. Their expertise in real estate, banking, and technology will drive business expansion and reinforce Awfis’ position in the flexible workspace.

    With increasing demand for premium design & build solutions from GCCs and large corporates, Awfis has added design specialists, Noelle Bianca Aguilar (Philippines) and Debora Emert (USA) to bring global insights to its projects. Additionally, director business development, Kamal Pandey joins with over a decade of experience, ensuring innovative and sustainable workspace solutions.

    On the technology front, chief product & technology officer, Rohit Manghnani will lead Awfis’ digital transformation, focusing on enhancing system capabilities, driving scalability, and improving user experiences.

    Awfis Space Solutions Ltd chairman & managing director Amit Ramani stated, “The expansion of our design & build, managed office, and technology teams is a pivotal step in our growth journey. With their expertise, we are poised to create workspaces that drive productivity, innovation, and business success.” 

  • Araiya Hotels & Resorts names Akshay Kulkarni as chief business strategist

    Araiya Hotels & Resorts names Akshay Kulkarni as chief business strategist

    MUMBAI: Araiya Hotels & Resorts has appointed Akshay Kulkarni as its chief business & strategy officer (CBSO), tasking him with steering the brand’s expansion and strengthening its market position.

    Bringing over 27 years of expertise in hospitality and real estate, Kulkarni has a strong track record in business development, asset management, and large-scale project execution across south and southeast Asia. His appointment signals Araiya’s commitment to broadening its portfolio and enhancing guest experiences.

    Araiya Hotels & Resorts founder & CEO Amruda Nair said, “Kulkarni’s extensive experience in hospitality and strategic growth will be instrumental in strengthening Araiya’s market presence. His insights will play a crucial role in forging partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for expansion.”

    As CBSO, Kulkarni will focus on identifying new hotel locations, overseeing projects from conception to launch, and building key industry relationships.

    Kulkarni stated, “Araiya is a young and innovative brand, and I’m thrilled to be part of its journey. This role allows me to contribute to its growth while creating memorable experiences for guests.” 

  • Billion Electric charges ahead with Sanjeev Kulkarni as CEO

    Billion Electric charges ahead with Sanjeev Kulkarni as CEO

    MUMBAI: Billion Electric Mobility (BillionE), India’s pioneering E-Mobility-as-a-Service (eMaaS) platform, has put its growth plans into high gear by appointing Sanjeev Kulkarni as chief executive officer. A seasoned industry leader with over 32 years in automotive and manufacturing, Kulkarni steps up from his role as chief operating officer to spearhead the company’s ambitious expansion in commercial EV solutions.

    With a stellar track record at Bosch Limited in India and Germany, as well as Kalyani Group Pune, Kulkarni has driven large-scale projects, strengthened OEM partnerships, and accelerated revenue growth. As CEO, his focus will be on scaling BillionE’s electric truck and airport tarmac EV bus business, enhancing industry collaborations, and boosting India’s clean mobility transition.

    Welcoming Sanjeev to his new role, Billion Electric Mobility founder & chief platform architect Kartikey Hariyani & co-founder Musfara Wajid said, “It has been more than 5-years we have known Sanjeev working on various strategic initiatives within the e-mobility space in India / abroad.  Since 2023, Sanjeev has been part of our leadership team and over the last 2-years, Billion Electric Mobility has seen the foundation laid for the e-MaaS business with his, strategic foresightand extensive industry experience. His proven ability to scale operations, drive innovation, and foster collaborations will be critical as we expand our E-MaaS business. With Sanjeev at the helm, I’m confident we will scale faster, deepen partnerships, and create a stronger foundation for India’s EV transition.”  

    Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Billion Electric Mobility CEO Sanjeev Kulkarni said, “The EV industry is at an exciting juncture, and Billion Electric is well-positioned to accelerate India’s transition to sustainable mobility. Our focus will be on scaling our E-MaaS business with various corporate customers with our range of Electric Trucks for inter-city transport, , maximizing operational efficiency, and strengthening collaborations with OEMs and fleet operators. I look forward to working with our talented team to develop robust solutions that power India’s EV future.”

    Quoting on the development, Billion Electric Mobility lead advisor Piroshaw Sarkari (Phil) added, “BillionE is a platform that drives a concept of energy on wheels, in a way different from traditional transporter and therefore Sanjeevs experience is found very relevant to lead this platform!”

    As BillionE continues to drive India’s EV transition through its Energy Transition Network, Kulkarni’s leadership marks a pivotal step in its journey. With a strengthened leadership team, including newly appointed lead advisor Pirojshaw Sarkari (Phil), the company is set to electrify the commercial transport sector and push the boundaries of sustainable mobility.

  • Annapurna Vishwanathan joins Airbus as VP head of IM & Digital

    Annapurna Vishwanathan joins Airbus as VP head of IM & Digital

    MUMBAI: Airbus has appointed Annapurna Vishwanathan as vice president, head of IM & Digital, India and south Asia. She previously served as CIO at Cummins India and has worked at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, GE Digital, and GE Corporate in various digital and technology-focused roles.

    At Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, she was head of digital, managing technology initiatives. At GE Digital, she was senior director of product software engineering, overseeing global product development and critical systems. She also worked on digital transformation at GE Corporate as IT transformation manager.

    Her earlier experience at GE Corporate includes roles as senior team manager for sourcing systems, IT PMO for global operations finance, and corporate audit staff. She began her career at Atos Origin as a trainee programmer and was part of GE’s Information Management Leadership Program (IMLP).