Category: People

  • Bata laces up for growth with Amit Aggarwal as CFO & whole-time director

    Bata laces up for growth with Amit Aggarwal as CFO & whole-time director

    MUMBAI: Bata India is tightening its financial game with the appointment of Amit Aggarwal as its Whole-Time director and chief financial officer. Armed with over two decades of experience in financial management, business strategy, and digital transformation, Aggarwal brings a wealth of expertise from leadership stints at Sugar Cosmetics, Marico, Nestlé India, and PwC.

    A chartered accountant with an advanced management certification from IIM Kolkata, Aggarwal has built a career on driving profitability, risk mitigation, and governance. His tenure as CFO at Sugar Cosmetics saw him navigating a fast-growing D2C brand, while his time at Marico and Nestlé honed his skills in financial strategy and process optimisation.

    Bata India, a household name in footwear, is expected to benefit from Aggarwal’s deep understanding of consumer-driven businesses. With a focus on accelerating growth, enhancing financial efficiencies, and leveraging digital innovation, his leadership marks a significant step in the company’s strategic evolution.

  • Prashant Vyas joins Socheers as head of people growth & culture

    Prashant Vyas joins Socheers as head of people growth & culture

    Mumbai: Socheers has appointed Prashant Vyas as its new head of people growth & culture, bringing extensive expertise in human resources, talent management, and employee engagement. With over a decade of experience, he has been instrumental in shaping workplace cultures and implementing people-centric policies across many organisations.

    Before joining Socheers, Vyas led HR functions at The Minimalist, Famous Innovations, Wunderman Thompson South Asia, and Hungama Digital Services, driving talent acquisition, workforce planning, and employee engagement.

    Holding a master’s degree in human resources research & development from K J Somaiya Institute of Management, he combines academic insight with industry experience to foster a thriving work environment. At Socheers, he will focus on aligning HR strategies with business objectives, enhancing employee well-being, and promoting a culture of innovation and inclusivity. 

  • GCPL Indonesia CEO Rajesh Sethuraman takes on additional role as global business transformation & IT head

    GCPL Indonesia CEO Rajesh Sethuraman takes on additional role as global business transformation & IT head

    MUMBAI: Some executives climb the corporate ladder-Rajesh Sethuraman seems to be sprinting up it. The CEO of Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) Indonesia has now added another powerful title to his arsenal: Global business transformation and IT head. It’s a double act that promises to steer the multinational consumer goods giant into its next phase of innovation and digital excellence.

    Announcing his expanded role on Linkedin, Sethuraman shared, “I’m happy to share that besides being CEO Indonesia, I also take on the additional responsibility of global business transformation and IT head at Godrej Consumer Products Limited!”

    Sethuraman’s career reads like a corporate action thriller—each role a new challenge, each promotion another power move. He kicked off his career at Heinz India Limited, spent years crafting brand strategies at Hindustan Unilever, and honed his leadership across multiple continents at Unilever south Africa and Unilever Africa. From shaping Africa’s laundry strategy to spearheading homecare divisions, his trajectory was marked by sharp decision-making and market disruption.

    At Hindustan Unilever, he orchestrated large-scale integrated operations, rewiring business processes for a superior customer experience. Then came his Indonesian chapter at Godrej, where he transformed the entity into a formidable FMCG force.

    Godrej Consumer Products has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of consumer goods innovation. With Sethuraman’s expanded leadership, the brand signals a stronger commitment to efficiency, digital transformation, and unlocking new opportunities across international markets.

    Now, with his added global responsibilities, he’s not just leading—he’s redefining the future of business transformation and IT for GCPL. With this expanded mandate, Sethuraman is expected to merge operational efficiency with tech-driven transformation, pioneering innovations that don’t just boost the bottom line but reshape the industry’s playing field.

  • Ashit Chakravarty joins Magiccircle as associate partner & COO

    Ashit Chakravarty joins Magiccircle as associate partner & COO

    MUMBAI: Ashit Chakravarty has been appointed associate partner & chief operating officer at Magiccircle. With a distinguished career spanning renowned global agencies, Chakravarty brings extensive experience in brand strategy, marketing, and business growth.

    Dentsu Creative appointed Chakravarty as managing partner & brand strategy & west, following key prominent roles at Dentsu Webchutney, where he advanced from vice president to executive vice president & growth & strategy. His expertise in forecasting, cross-functional management, & consumer behaviour has shaped campaigns for top brands.

    Leo Burnett, contract advertising, and Dentsu Aegis Network have also been part of Chakravarty’s professional journey, along with his role as head of brand marketing at Zopper.com. 

  • Aman Rawat joins Creativeland Asia as executive creative director

    Aman Rawat joins Creativeland Asia as executive creative director

    MUMBAI: Creativeland Asia (CLA) has appointed Aman Rawat as its new executive creative director. Based in the Delhi office, Rawat brings extensive experience in brand storytelling, technology, and new-age media.

    “Rawat’s expertise in blending brand narratives with cutting-edge tech aligns perfectly with CLA’s vision,” said CLA group chief creative officer Azazul Haque. “His work at Mediamonks and beyond makes him a valuable addition to our leadership.”

    Rawat has worked with top agencies, including Grasshoppers, Digitas LBi, Cheil, Wunderman, and Repindia, and has led successful campaigns for brands like Booking.com, MTV, Tata Tea Gold, and Maruti. His portfolio spans major names such as Poco, Canon, Durex, Pringles, Tinder, and Amazon.

    Rawat said, “For me, creativity is more than a process it’s a way of being. I look forward to pushing boundaries and contributing to CLA’s legacy of excellence.”

    This appointment comes as CLA expands its presence in Delhi, focusing on AI, data analytics, and digital transformation to craft high-impact, result-driven campaigns.

  • Santosh Agarwal takes charge as CEO of Paisabazaar amid strategic shift

    Santosh Agarwal takes charge as CEO of Paisabazaar amid strategic shift

    MUMBAI: Paisabazaar has appointed Santosh Agarwal as its chief executive officer, stepping up to head PB Fintech’s credit distribution platform. She succeeds Naveen Kukreja, who has moved to PB Fintech Limited as group president while retaining a non-executive director role at Paisabazaar.

    Agarwal, a seasoned financial expert with over a decade at the company, previously headed the life insurance segment at Policybazaar as chief business officer. Her guidance is expected to drive the platform’s next phase of growth as it diversifies beyond credit products into savings and pension services. This strategic expansion follows a slowdown in the unsecured lending sector, prompting Paisabazaar to explore new opportunities.

    Further strengthening its management, PB Fintech has appointed Neeraj Tripathi as chief financial officer, succeeding Vivek Audichya, who has transitioned to Policybazaar. These changes reflect the group’s focus on innovation and resilience in a shifting financial landscape.

  • Sarovar Hotels welcomes Nitika Khanna as director of marketing & communications

    Sarovar Hotels welcomes Nitika Khanna as director of marketing & communications

    MUMBAI: In a move that underscores its commitment to building a powerhouse leadership team, Sarovar Hotels has appointed Nitika Khanna as its new director of marketing & communications. With a reputation for crafting compelling brand narratives and a proven track record in strategic partnerships and digital marketing, Khanna is set to amplify Sarovar’s brand presence and customer engagement.

    A seasoned professional with rich industry experience, Khanna has played a pivotal role in shaping the marketing trajectories of Yatra, Fcb Ulka, Euro Rscg, UTV, and Org-Marg. Her expertise in brand positioning and communications will be instrumental in fortifying Sarovar Hotels’ market leadership while expanding its outreach and engagement strategies.

    With Sarovar Hotels expanding its footprint across India, Nepal, and Africa, Khanna steps into her new role at a critical juncture. Her appointment is part of the group’s strategic push to elevate its branding, digital presence, and customer engagement initiatives.

    Sarovar Hotels SVP – commercial Akshay Thusoo expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Nitika to Sarovar Hotels. Her extensive leadership in marketing and communications will be instrumental in shaping our brand’s growth story, strengthening stakeholder relations, and elevating our presence in the highly competitive hospitality sector. We look forward to her contributions.”

    Khanna’s marketing prowess and innovation-driven approach position her perfectly to lead Sarovar’s branding initiatives, reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence and industry-leading hospitality.

  • Aarthy Sridhar shifts into the fast lane as CMO of Gulf Oil India

    Aarthy Sridhar shifts into the fast lane as CMO of Gulf Oil India

    MUMBAI: Aarthy Sridhar is shifting gears—from FMCG powerhouse to the high-octane world of lubricants. After an illustrious 14-year journey at Hindustan Unilever (HUL), she is now stepping into her new role as chief marketing officer at Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd. And if her track record is anything to go by, the brand is about to get a turbocharged marketing revamp.

    Sridhar, an IIM Ahmedabad alumna and seasoned marketing leader, has built an impressive career at Unilever, where she drove consumer engagement and brand strategy across multiple categories. Now, she’s set to bring her expertise to a completely different playing field—one filled with high-performance engines, cutting-edge innovation, and a fiercely competitive market.

    In her new role, Sridhar will oversee brand strategy, product innovation, and customer engagement for Gulf Oil India. Known for its strong presence in automotive and industrial lubricants, the company is gearing up for its next phase of growth, and Sridhar is at the helm, ready to fuel its marketing evolution.

    Sridhar expressed her excitement about the new challenge on Linkedin, stating, “Firsts are always special, and after nearly 14 years with my first job at HUL, this one feels especially significant. A truly incredible stint—filled with growth, learning, and countless memories that I will cherish forever. Today, I’m excited to announce the next chapter of my journey as chief marketing officer at Gulf Oil Lubricants India Limited.”

    Sridhar’s transition from FMCG to the automotive lubricant industry is an exciting shift that highlights her adaptability and marketing acumen. Gulf Oil, a brand synonymous with endurance, performance, and legacy, is poised to leverage her deep understanding of consumer behaviour and brand-building strategies to stay ahead in the race.

    During her tenure at Unilever, Sridhar spearheaded multiple successful campaigns and strategic initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on the FMCG sector. Now, as she takes charge at Gulf Oil, industry insiders are keen to see how she will apply her data-driven, consumer-focused approach to an industry known for its legacy-driven brand loyalty.

    With 14 years of Unilever experience under her belt, a sharp strategic mind, and an unmatched passion for marketing, Sridhar is ready to hit the ground running—or rather, hit the accelerator full throttle.

     

  • Gaurav Agarwal elevated to VP of APAC region at Automation Anywhere

    Gaurav Agarwal elevated to VP of APAC region at Automation Anywhere

    MUMBAI: Gaurav Agarwal is no stranger to innovation, and his latest role proves it. Automation Anywhere has officially elevated him as vice president of the APAC region from VP India region, marking a bold step in the company’s vision for AI-driven efficiency and enterprise automation across Asia, Japan, and India.

    With a career built on transforming operations and enhancing business agility, Agarwal now takes the reins to lead the company’s dynamic regional teams. His mission? Revolutionise efficiency, unlock creativity, and set new industry standards in automation. Given his proven leadership in the India region, this promotion was anything but surprising.

    Agarwal’s vision is clear, “This is our chance to revolutionise efficiency, unleash creativity, and empower our teams to focus on what truly matters. Excited to be able to lead the Agentic AI revolution with our exceptionally talented teams across APJ & India. We aim to enhance our operational capabilities, deliver exceptional value to our customers, and set new industry standards for excellence.”

    Agarwal’s promotion aligns perfectly with the company’s global push for AI-enhanced automation. His leadership promises not only sustained business growth but also a new era of digital transformation for enterprises in the region. With his expertise and strategic foresight, Automation Anywhere is set to redefine intelligent automation in the APAC region. 

  • Jessica Holscott takes charge at Nielsen as chief financial officer

    Jessica Holscott takes charge at Nielsen as chief financial officer

    MUMBAI: Jessica Holscott is no stranger to high-stakes financial strategy. From helming finance at Warner Media to steering the ship at Spotter, she has danced with industry giants-and now, she’s stepping into the spotlight at Nielsen.

    Effective today, Holscott assumes the role of chief financial officer (CFO) for the global audience measurement leader, bringing a razor-sharp financial acumen and an eye for innovation. She will report directly to Nielsen’s chief executive officer Karthik Rao.

    As CFO, Holscott will oversee Nielsen’s financial landscape worldwide, covering financial planning and analysis, tax, controllership, internal audit, and treasury. It’s a tall order, but for someone with Holscott’s pedigree, it’s just another day at the office.

    “Jessica is a proven, world-class financial leader and we are fortunate to have her join Nielsen at such an important time,” said Rao. “Within the past year, we have introduced several groundbreaking products for our clients as we continue to be the leader in TV measurement and streaming TV data. As we continue to innovate and add even more advanced ad tech offerings to our suite, Jessica’s strategic vision and experience will be key for our evolution.”

    Holscott brings over 20 years of financial expertise spanning multiple industries. Most recently, she served as CFO at Spotter, a creator-focused company. Before that, she led financial strategy as CFO and EVP for Warner Media, where she played a pivotal role in steering the finances of Warner Bros., HBO, and the Turner Networks. She also held CFO and EVP roles at HBO, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes. Her past experience includes leading Investor Relations at Time Warner and Aptiv (Delphi), and she cut her teeth at General Electric, where she climbed the ranks from corporate audit to Chief of Staff for the Vice Chairman and CFO.

    “I am honoured to join Nielsen as CFO at such a transformational time for the company and industry. Nielsen continues to raise the bar when it comes to innovation and I’m thrilled to work alongside Karthik and my fellow leaders to keep the momentum going as the leader in audience measurement,” said Holscott.

    Nielsen kicks off the year with its signature drive for innovation and modernisation. The company recently secured accreditation for its big data + panel measurement and out-of-home (OOH) expansion, following the accreditation of its first-party live streaming solution in November 2024. As the trusted industry leader in audience measurement, Nielsen’s ratings and rankings-spanning linear TV, the Nielsen Streaming Top 10, and The Gauge-remain the gold standard in the television and advertising space.

    With Holscott at the financial helm, Nielsen is poised to accelerate its evolution in data analytics and audience measurement.