Category: People

  • Hero Realty appoints Anuj Narang as chief sales officer for growth push

    Hero Realty appoints Anuj Narang as chief sales officer for growth push

    MUMBAI: Hero Realty has appointed Anuj Narang as chief sales officer to manage sales strategy and expansion. With 18 years in Indian real estate, he brings industry expertise and a proven record in driving growth.

    At DLF Ltd. he was previously serving as vice president sales, Narang played a key role in boosting sales and enhancing customer engagement. At Hero Realty, he will oversee nationwide sales operations, focusing on strengthening the company’s presence in the NCR and other key regions.

    Hero Realty CEO Madhur Gupta said, “Narang’s expertise and guidance will be pivotal as we scale our presence in Gurugram, Mohali, and beyond. His strategic insights and customer-first approach align perfectly with our vision of delivering world-class living spaces.”

    Narang stated, “Hero Realty is a brand built on trust and excellence, and I am eager to contribute to its journey. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to drive sales growth and redefine urban living experiences.”

    Hero Realty continues to expand its footprint, with projects like Hero Homes 104 on Dwarka expressway nearing completion and its plotted development brand, Hero Earth, gaining traction. With Narang at the helm of sales, the company is set for accelerated growth, reinforcing its position in India’s evolving real estate landscape.

  • Veedehi Patel appointed head of HR at Adani Defence and Aerospace

    Veedehi Patel appointed head of HR at Adani Defence and Aerospace

    MUMBAI: Adani Defence and Aerospace has appointed Veedehi Patel as its new head of human resources, entrusting her with the mission of shaping a dynamic and inclusive workplace. With a strong background in talent development, workforce planning, and organisational design, she is set to play a key role in driving strategic HR initiatives.

    Patel brings a wealth of expertise from her tenure at Adani Enterprises Limited, GE Grid Solutions, LM Wind Power, and GE HealthCare. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in strengthening HR strategies, fostering employee engagement, and building high-performing teams.

    An MBA graduate in human resources management from Xavier Institute of Social Service, she is known for her people-centric approach. At Adani Defence and Aerospace, she will focus on enhancing employee experiences, aligning HR practices with business objectives, and cultivating a culture of innovation and collaboration.

    With a vision to empower talent and accelerate organisational growth, Veedehi Patel’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for the company’s evolving workforce strategy.

  • Marks & Spencer India appoints Manish Kapoor as new managing director

    Marks & Spencer India appoints Manish Kapoor as new managing director

    MUMBAI: Marks & Spencer India has appointed Manish Kapoor as its new managing director, the company announced on 25 February.

    Kapoor joins M&S from Pepe Jeans London, where he has served as managing director and CEO since January 2022. His appointment is expected to strengthen the British retailer’s market presence in India and drive sustainable growth.

    With nearly two decades of experience in the retail and fashion industry, Kapoor brings extensive expertise in business expansion and digital innovation to his new role. His experience aligns with M&S’s international strategy focused on customer engagement and operational efficiency.

    Prior to his leadership at Pepe Jeans, Kapoor held several senior positions within the company, including chief executive officer (2019-2021), chief business officer (2019), and sales director (2017-2019), where he managed 200 stores, over 170 shop-in-shops and more than 800 sales points.

    His previous experience includes serving as COO for French Connection at Brand Marketing India and various leadership roles at Benetton Group, where he was responsible for operations across Southeast Asia and Australia. Earlier in his career, Kapoor worked as retail manager at Madura Garments and briefly as store merchandiser at Pantaloon Retail India Ltd.

    The appointment comes as Marks and Spencer continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian market, with Kapoor expected to play a pivotal role in the retailer’s expansion strategy. 

  • Greencell Mobility designates Manish Poddar as chief financial officer

    Greencell Mobility designates Manish Poddar as chief financial officer

    MUMBAI: Greencell Mobility has appointed Manish Poddar as its new chief financial officer (CFO), reinforcing its leadership in the electric mobility sector. Backed by Eversource Capital, Greencell is focused on driving sustainable transportation solutions in India. In his new role, Poddar will oversee fundraising, governance, compliance, treasury management, and investor relations, ensuring the company is well-positioned for future growth.

    Bringing over 24 years of experience, Poddar has held key leadership roles across GMM Pfaudler Ltd, Diversey, and Ranbaxy (Sun Pharma). His expertise spans financial strategy, capital structuring, and compliance, making him an ideal fit for Greencell’s ambitious plans. He has also worked with portfolio companies of Bain Capital, DBAG, and Chrys Capital, further strengthening his strategic and operational acumen.

    Greencell’s decision to bring Poddar on board highlights its commitment to strong financial leadership at a time when electric mobility is gaining momentum in India. As the country accelerates its transition towards green transportation, Poddar’s extensive experience will play a crucial role in driving financial stability and expansion for the company.

  • Nothing expands co-founder Akis Evangelidis’s role as India president

    Nothing expands co-founder Akis Evangelidis’s role as India president

    MUMBAI: Nothing is making a bold statement in India. The London-based technology company has appointed co-founder Akis Evangelidis as India president, a move that signals the brand’s commitment to one of its fastest-growing markets. In this expanded role, Evangelidis will steer Nothing’s strategic direction and growth in India, cementing the company’s foothold in the highly competitive consumer tech space.

    India has been a major force behind Nothing’s meteoric rise. In 2024, the brand became the fastest-growing player in India’s smartphone market, clocking an eye-popping +577 per cent year-over-year growth (source: Counterpoint Q4 2024 India Smartphone Tracker). The surge was powered by the Phone (2a) series and the success of CMF by Nothing, its sub-brand. Now, Evangelidis takes charge of ensuring Nothing’s next phase of expansion in the country.

    Evangelidis shared his vision, “India is one of the most important markets for Nothing, and we believe there is a tremendous opportunity to become a leading consumer tech brand in the country. I’m very excited to step into this new role and continue to bring distinctive, design-led tech innovations to Indian consumers. India will play a pivotal role in the global smartphone industry in the years to come, and we’re committed to accelerating our ‘Make in India’ initiatives and boosting domestic production. In 2025, we’re doubling down by ramping up our investments in India and expanding our offline presence to 12,000+ stores.”

    Reinforcing its commitment to manufacturing in India, Nothing recently announced that its much-anticipated Phone (3a) series—slated for launch on 4 March at 3:30 pm IST—will be manufactured in Chennai.

    Evangelidis’s appointment underscores the brand’s long-term vision—blending innovation, design, and accessibility to shape the future of consumer technology in India.

  • Pooja Sahgal appointed global CMO at International Gemological Institute

    Pooja Sahgal appointed global CMO at International Gemological Institute

    MUMBAI: Pooja Sahgal has been appointed global chief marketing officer at the International Gemological Institute (IGI).

    Sahgal joins from Godrej Consumer Products, where she served as vice president and head of category direction since August 2023. She previously held CMO positions at Raymond Consumer Care (2021-2023) and Kaya Limited (2019-2021).

    Her career includes senior roles at L’Oréal as general manager for Maybelline New York India, and nearly seven years at Kellogg across UK and Indian operations. Earlier positions include stints at Marico, Unilever, JWT and Lowe and Partners.

    Sahgal holds an MBA in Marketing from Sydenham Institute and a Bachelor of Commerce from H.R. College.
    Known for her expertise in brand development, digital marketing and ecommerce, colleagues highlight her collaborative leadership style and cross-functional capabilities in the consumer products sector.

  • 1 Play group expands advisory panel with PR expert Rachna Baruah

    1 Play group expands advisory panel with PR expert Rachna Baruah

    MUMBAI: Singapore-based technology company 1 Play group has brought on board PR entrepreneur Rachna Baruah as an advisor to steer its strategic communications and marketing efforts.

    In her new role, Baruah will help shape 1 Play group’s India strategy, focusing on team structuring, business storytelling, and market positioning. She will also explore new partnership and marketing opportunities to enhance the company’s visibility in the region.

    Founder Mohit Lalvani highlighted Baruah’s expertise in brand-building and communications, expressing confidence in her ability to drive 1 Play group’s vision forward. As the founder of Madchatter Brand Solutions, Baruah has worked with a diverse range of startups, helping them establish credibility through effective communication strategies.

    Speaking on her appointment, Baruah said she looked forward to working with 1 Play group at a crucial stage in its expansion, aiming to strengthen its presence and narrative in India.

    The collaboration marks a key step in 1 Play group’s growth strategy, as it continues to develop its tech platforms, including Playmersiv, which partners with governments, educational institutions, and enterprises worldwide.

  • Ranjan Bargotra returns to Crayons Advertising as executive director

    Ranjan Bargotra returns to Crayons Advertising as executive director

    MUMBAI : Crayons Advertising has re-appointed its former president, Ranjan Bargotra as executive director this time. His return marks a pivotal moment for the agency as it embarks on a new phase of expansion and innovation.

    With a legacy of impactful campaigns across industries, Crayons has long been at the forefront of creative excellence. Now, with Bargotra back, the agency is poised to strengthen its position in the advertising world.

    During his earlier tenure, Bargotra played a crucial role in shaping major brands like Kajaria Tiles, Fortis Healthcare, Kohinoor Rice, ITC Fortune Hotels, and APL Apollo. His ability to cultivate long-term client relationships helped establish Crayons as a trusted partner for brands seeking innovative storytelling.

    Beyond the corporate sector, Bargotra made significant contributions to India’s political landscape, leading over two dozen campaigns for national and regional parties. His expertise in crafting compelling narratives has left a lasting impact on both business and political communication.

    Even during his brief sabbatical, Bargotra remained actively involved in initiatives that drive change. He serves on the board of Abhinandan, an NGO dedicated to education and welfare, and is also associated with Digital Health Associates, an organisation focused on healthcare innovation.

    His return signals a renewed focus on strategic growth, innovation, and strengthening Crayons’ reputation for creativity. “Crayons has always been home,” said Bargotra. “I’m excited to be back and look forward to driving growth, innovation, and meaningful partnerships in this new phase.”

    With Bargotra at the helm once again, Crayons is set to build on its strong foundation, embracing fresh opportunities and pioneering new creative frontiers.

  • Neeraj Nagpal appointed chief business officer at Raymond Lifestyle Limited

    Neeraj Nagpal appointed chief business officer at Raymond Lifestyle Limited

    MUMBAI : Raymond Lifestyle Limited has appointed chief business officer Apparel & Retail Neeraj Nagpal. In this new role, Nagpal will lead the leadership team overseeing iconic apparel brands, including The Raymond Store (TRS) and Raymond Made to Measure (MTM). With over two decades of expertise in fashion and retail, his focus will be on driving strategic growth, enhancing brand positioning, and expanding Raymond’s retail presence.

    Nagpal’s career spans prominent leadership positions at Baazar Retail Pvt. Ltd., K Raheja Group Shoppers Stop, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., ITC Limited, and Ashima Ltd. A graduate of MDI Gurgaon and Harvard Business School, his deep understanding of brand development and operational efficiency will play a pivotal role in Raymond’s future success. His leadership is set to strengthen Raymond’s market position, aligning business objectives with emerging consumer trends.

  • Kushal Sanghvi joins icubeswire as chief revenue officer to drive growth

    Kushal Sanghvi joins icubeswire as chief revenue officer to drive growth

    MUMBAI : icubeswire a Adtech company with a strong presence across Sea and Mena, has appointed its new chief revenue officer (CRO) Kushal Sanghvi. With extensive experience in digital marketing, business strategy, and technology-driven growth, he will spearhead revenue expansion, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the company’s position in the global advertising landscape.

    Expressing enthusiasm for the new role, Sanghvi shared, “The digital marketing ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and icubeswire is at the forefront of this transformation. I look forward to driving strategic growth, collaborating with brands, agencies, and tech platforms, and delivering innovative solutions in the ever-changing Adtech space.”

    Beyond this role, Sanghvi has been actively shaping the industry through multiple leadership positions. At Adtech India he was a board member helping to foster emerging technologies and talent in digital marketing. Additionally, at NITI Aayog he was an education mentor, driving digital-first skill development for young entrepreneurs. He also contributed at I-COM Global (India) as the vice chairman, promoting data-driven marketing, and at Appriffy-Digital IT Hub as a director, supporting startups through tech innovation and investment.

    With a deep understanding of digital strategy, online advertising, and integrated marketing, Sanghvi is set to make a significant impact at icubeswire, propelling the company towards its next phase of innovation and growth.