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Category: People

  • Amit Rathi hangs up his boots at Digital Turbine after nine years

    Amit Rathi hangs up his boots at Digital Turbine after nine years

    MUMBAI: Every book, no matter how extraordinary, must one day close to make way for a new tome.

    Amit Rathi, with over 20 years of expertise in digital media and advertising, is stepping down from mobile  advertising platform Digital Turbine as country manager -south Asia  after an illustrious tenure spanning eight years and 10 months. His departure is both bittersweet and inspiring-a poignant goodbye to a journey marked by relentless innovation, transformative teamwork, and collaborations that shaped the future of the industry.

    During his time at Digital Turbine, Rathi witnessed the transformative evolution of the organisation, from its beginnings as Opera Mediaworks to its transition into AdColony, and finally its integration into Digital Turbine. His leadership played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth, particularly across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, where he built strong partnerships with leading agencies, brands, and publishers.

    He extended his gratitude to the APAC team for their camaraderie and dedication, “A special thank you to the Digital Turbine APAC team for your unwavering support—you made this journey truly special.”

    He also acknowledged the invaluable trust and collaboration of clients, agencies, and partners, “A heartfelt thank you to all the clients, agencies, partners, and brands I had the privilege of working with. This journey would have been incomplete without your trust and collaboration.”

    Rathi’s tenure at Digital Turbine saw the company emerge as a leader in delivering innovative mobile advertising solutions, leveraging technology to connect brands with audiences globally. He played a vital role in driving revenue growth, expanding market presence, and fostering a culture of excellence within the organisation.. 

    Prior to his time at Digital Turbine, spent a few of his formative years at Yatra Online, Sify, Rediff.com, Infomedia (formerly Tata Press Yellow Pages) and Integrated Databases (India Today goup) when they were all in their glory days. 

    As he embarks on the next phase of his career, Rathi expressed excitement for future challenges and opportunities. His extensive expertise in strategic planning, market development, and team leadership positions him as a formidable force in the evolving digital landscape.  

    The question being asked, however, is: what’s he going to do next?

     

  • Vui Live appoints Viraj Panwar as sales head

    Vui Live appoints Viraj Panwar as sales head

    Mumbai: Vui Live, a full-service digital marketing and consulting company, has announced the appointment of Viraj Panwar as its sales head. In this role, Viraj will lead new business development initiatives and oversee strategic sales efforts, which is key in accelerating Vui Live’s growth in the competitive digital marketing landscape.

    With over 15 years of experience, Viraj Panwar brings a wealth of experience in sales strategy and client engagement. At Vui Live, Viraj’s primary focus will be identifying new opportunities, cultivating strong client relationships, and driving revenue growth through effective sales strategies. His role includes overseeing the entire sales process, from lead generation to deal closure, ensuring clients’ needs align seamlessly with Vui Live’s innovative digital solutions.

    Before joining Vui Live, Viraj was associated with TV9 Network, driving sales growth through branded content initiatives. Previously at ABP Network, he developed strategic sales plans, consistently exceeded targets, and built strong client relationships to achieve significant revenue growth.

    Viraj Panwar said, “I am thrilled to join Vui Live, a dynamic agency that is consistently pushing the envelope in digital marketing. My goal is to leverage my expertise to drive business expansion and deliver high-impact results for our clients. The agency’s commitment to utilising cutting-edge technology to create tailored solutions is truly inspiring, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success.”

    Vui Live co-founder &  business head Akash Manchanda expressed his enthusiasm stating, “We are delighted to have Viraj Panwar on board as our sales head. His deep understanding of market dynamics combined with his proven ability to build and optimise sales processes aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering unmatched value to our clients. As we continue to scale our operations and expand our client base, Viraj’s leadership will be instrumental in driving our growth trajectory.”

    With Viraj at the helm of sales strategy and new business development, Vui Live is poised to strengthen its market presence and continue its mission to deliver exceptional digital marketing solutions to brands across industries.

  • KAI appoints Keijiro Takasago as managing director for KAI India

    KAI appoints Keijiro Takasago as managing director for KAI India

    Mumbai: A recognised leader in kitchenware, personal care, and beauty care products, has appointed Keijiro Takasago as the managing director of KAI Manufacturing India Pvt. Ltd. With over three decades of experience in corporate banking and international business leadership across Japan, Thailand, India, and Vietnam, Takasago brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, cross-border operations, and client-focused management. His proven ability to navigate complex markets and drive operational excellence makes him the ideal leader to spearhead KAI India’s growth and innovation in the dynamic Indian market.

    Takasago’s extensive leadership experience spans diverse industries and roles, including his impactful contributions to business strategy, operational efficiency, and cross-cultural management. His rich exposure in India and other key markets has given him a unique perspective on fostering growth in competitive environments. As he steps into his new role, he is committed to strengthening KAI India’s presence while delivering high-quality, innovative solutions tailored to the needs of Indian consumers.

    Keijiro Takasago expressed: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Managing Director at KAI Manufacturing India Pvt. Ltd. India is a vibrant and rapidly evolving market, with tremendous opportunities for growth and innovation. My vision for KAI India is to continue expanding our offerings while staying true to our heritage of delivering high-quality Japanese craftsmanship. I look forward to collaborating with the team to create solutions that align with the needs and aspirations of our Indian consumers, driving the brand to new heights.”

    Founded in Seki in 1908, KAI has achieved cult status in Japan and worldwide for its high-quality grooming and beauty care products, which blend practical aesthetics with refined craftsmanship. Known for well-designed, innovative houseware and beauty care products, KAI India is committed to delivering products backed by detailed R&D and superior Japanese technology, aiming to become a trusted household name in India. The Japan-based KAI Group, with a legacy spanning over 116 years, has made a foray into the Indian market with the establishment of its manufacturing facility spanned over 30,000 sq. meters in Neemrana, Rajasthan. Bringing an 800-year-old tradition of Japanese blade-forging directly to Indian households, KAI offers a kitchenware range along with high-precision beauty and personal care products, adding value to the daily lives of Indian consumers.

  • Nissan hires Abhishek Arora as director – DND-CQT & transformation

    Nissan hires Abhishek Arora as director – DND-CQT & transformation

    Gurugram: Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) announced the appointment and role expansion of Abhishek Arora as director – Dealer Network Development and Customer Quality Training (DND-CQT), in addition to his current role as director – transformation & new projects, effective from 14 November 2024. In his new role, Abhishek will lead the brand’s channel development and management, driving strategic initiatives linked to network development and business to ensure Nissan is future ready for the upcoming products. His deep expertise in managing premium automotive networks is set to bring significant value to Nissan’s India CBU business, further strengthening its market presence.

    Abhishek had joined Nissan in September 2024 as director – transformation and new projects and was given interim charge of director – DNDCQT in October 2024. He will now lead the DND-CQT function full time and continue to manage transformation projects. In his previous role with Audi India, he led key functions such as network development, business management, sales training, and the used car business. Prior to Audi, Abhishek worked with General Motors, Tata Motors, and Honda Motorcycles, further enriching his expertise in channel sales, planning, and managing premium car networks.

    Speaking on the appointment and role expansion, Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) managing director Saurabh Vatsa said, “We are delighted to welcome Abhishek Arora at Nissan as Director – DND-CQT in addition to his current responsibilities in driving transformation projects. We are confident that his extensive experience and strategic leadership in the premium automotive space will play an important role in strengthening our network capabilities. His leadership will ensure that we are well-positioned to execute our upcoming product launches and further enhance customer experience as we work towards long-term growth and success in this dynamic market with a mix of localised and CBU products.”

  • Vinod Bhat joins Tata AutoComp as chef digital officer

    Vinod Bhat joins Tata AutoComp as chef digital officer

    MUMBAI: Industry veteran Vinod Bhat has moved on from Vistara Tata SIA Airlines after a stint of almost four years. He has been hired by Tata AutoComp Systems as chief digital officer. Tata AutoComp specialises in the design, development, manufacturing, and supply of a broad range of automotive products and services.

    A long serving  staunch Tata loyalist, Bhat’s  first job was with TCS where he spent 28 years rising to global business head consumer packaged goods – UK, Ireland and Europe and delivery center head before departing for Vistara Tata.

    “As chief digital officer (CDO) at Tata AutoComp (Taco), I will be driving digital transformation across the Taco group through new age digital technologies like artificial intelligence/ gen-AI, IOT, IIOT, RFID, plant automation and  manufacturing excellence, Tata data maturity, Tata cyber security, B2B/B2C/B2E use cases and so on.” Said Bhat on Linkedin

     

  • Zepto appoints Rakesh Malloju as senior director – product

    Zepto appoints Rakesh Malloju as senior director – product

    Mumbai: Zepto has appointed Rakesh Malloju as senior director – product. In this role, Malloju will lead Zepto’s product strategy and development efforts, leveraging over a decade of experience in building and scaling consumer internet products.

    Malloju joins Zepto following his tenure as product lead at Apollo 24/7, where he optimised user experiences for the platform’s e-commerce app, focusing on key functionalities like search, browsing, and payments. His track record includes scaling products to millions of monthly active users, showcasing his expertise in driving user-centric innovation.

    With prior roles including head of product at Infinity Learn and contributions to Toppr, Housing.com, and Mu Sigma Inc., Malloju brings a wealth of knowledge in product-market fit, user research, and scalable solutions. His appointment aligns with Zepto’s mission to revolutionise the online grocery delivery space through innovative and efficient product development.

    The company anticipates that Malloju’s leadership will accelerate its growth trajectory, ensuring Zepto continues to deliver a seamless and customer-first experience in the fast-paced e-commerce market.

  • Jaskaran Singh Kapany joins MobiKwik as chief marketing officer

    Jaskaran Singh Kapany joins MobiKwik as chief marketing officer

    Mumbai: MobiKwik proudly announces the appointment of Jaskaran Singh Kapany as its new chief marketing officer (CMO). In his new role, Kapany will spearhead strategic growth initiatives, collaborate with exceptional colleagues, and contribute to MobiKwik’s vision of revolutionising digital payments and financial services in India.

    With an impressive track record in marketing leadership roles, Kapany’s expertise will play a pivotal role in furthering MobiKwik’s commitment to transforming the digital finance landscape. His appointment underscores the company’s focus on innovation and customer-centric strategies to strengthen its position as a leader in digital payments. MobiKwik remains dedicated to enhancing financial inclusivity and delivering cutting-edge payment solutions that simplify lives across India.

  • RBL Bank appoints chess grandmaster D Gukesh as brand ambassador

    RBL Bank appoints chess grandmaster D Gukesh as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: RBL Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, proudly announces the appointment of Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh as its brand ambassador. At just 18 years old, Gukesh exemplifies boldness, innovation, and strategic brilliance—values that mirror RBL Bank’s commitment to helping customers achieve their financial goals.

    Gukesh, the youngest-ever contender for the World Chess Championship and the third-youngest grandmaster to surpass a chess rating of 2700, is set to challenge reigning world champion Ding Liren this week in Singapore (23 November–13 December 2024). His journey from prodigy to global competitor embodies the spirit of thoughtful planning and excellence that RBL Bank brings to its customers.

    RBL Bank, MD & CEO, R Subramaniakumar said, “In life,  as in chess, every move counts – and at RBL Bank, we understand the importance of helping our  customers make the right financial moves. Partnering with Gukesh is a perfect strategic alignment for  us, as his exceptional ability to think several moves ahead mirrors our approach to thoughtful financial  planning. His journey from a prodigy to a grandmaster reflects the kind of strategic excellence we aim  to bring to our customers’ financial lives. RBL Bank family and RBL Bank customers extend our heartfelt wishes for Gukesh’s victory at the World  Chess Championship 2024.”

    Expressing his enthusiasm, Gukesh shared, “This partnership with RBL Bank represents a  significant move in my journey. The Bank’s approach to helping customers align their financial goals  with precision and foresight reminds me of a winning strategy. Their commitment to building customer  wealth with stability through innovative solutions shows the same level of strategic thinking that chess  demands. I am excited to partner with an institution that understands that success, whether in chess  or in financial planning, comes from thinking ahead and making wise moves at the right time.” 

  • Namdev Finvest appoints Dominic Vijay Kumar as president & head of technology

    Namdev Finvest appoints Dominic Vijay Kumar as president & head of technology

    Mumbai: Namdev Finvest, a leading Rajasthan-based NBFC specialising in MSMEs, green financing, and small business loans, has announced the appointment of Dominic Vijay Kumar as its president & head of technology. Bringing over 25 years of experience in technology innovation, Dominic will spearhead Namdev’s digital transformation, implement robust cybersecurity strategies, and drive projects that enhance business efficiency and customer satisfaction.  

    Kumar’s extensive leadership experience in the BFSI and NBFC sectors has earned him a reputation for designing and implementing IT infrastructure and operations that align with organisational goals. At Namdev Finvest, he will be pivotal in advancing the company’s technological edge, fostering operational excellence, and introducing transformative solutions to the financial sector.  

    Welcoming Dominic to the team, Namdev Finvest, chief human resources officer, Gagan Sharma said, “Dominic’s extensive experience in technology and leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission to serve MSMEs with efficiency and innovation. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Namdev Finvest family.”

    Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Kumar shared, “Joining Namdev Finvest is an exciting opportunity to innovate and build robust technological solutions that empower MSMEs and drive financial inclusion. With its talented team, I am looking forward to contributing to the company’s vision for transformative growth.”

    Dominic holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications engineering and an MCA in first grade, along with several prestigious certifications, including the Advanced Global Leadership Programme by IIM Calcutta and a CyberSecurity Strategist Certification. He has also been recognised with numerous awards, including ‘100 Most Innovative CIO of India’, ‘ETNOW CIO of the Year’, and ‘CTO of the Year by Making of Developed India’, for his contributions to IT leadership.  

    With Kumar’s appointment, Namdev Finvest is poised to strengthen its technological framework and continue driving financial inclusion for MSMEs.  

     

  • Hyundai Motor Group announces key leadership appointments for 2024

    Hyundai Motor Group announces key leadership appointments for 2024

    Mumbai: Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled a series of key executive appointments for 2024, designed to drive sustainable growth, enhance global competitiveness, and accelerate its transformation into a future-focused mobility leader. The appointments highlight the Group’s commitment to fostering talent and recognising exceptional leadership to navigate global challenges and strengthen its organisational foundation.

    Leadership advancements across the group

    – Jaehoon Chang: Promoted to vice chair of Hyundai Motor Group – Automotive Division, effective 1 January 2025, Jaehoon will oversee the value chain, including product planning, supply chain management, manufacturing, and quality assessment. He aims to optimise business operations and maximise synergies across the Group while building systems for cost and quality innovation. His leadership as CEO since 2020 has delivered record-breaking performance, despite global challenges, and spearheaded initiatives like the hydrogen programme and the successful IPO of Hyundai Motor India Limited.

    – José Muñoz: Appointed president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, effective 1 January 2025. Muñoz, the first non-Korean CEO, brings a proven track record of enhancing dealer competitiveness and profitability, especially in North America. His focus will include solidifying Hyundai’s global operations framework and expanding its leadership in electric, hybrid, and hydrogen technologies.

    – Sung Kim: Elevated to president of Hyundai Motor Company, effective 1 January 2025, Sung will manage global external affairs, strengthen strategic intelligence capabilities, and address geopolitical and economic challenges. With vast experience in international policy, Kim will lead communications and PR initiatives while advancing Hyundai’s global protocol capabilities.

    – Jun Young Choi: Promoted to president of Kia Corporation, Jun will continue enhancing Kia’s manufacturing capabilities, focusing on EV production and labour management innovation. He recently led Kia to its highest-ever domestic production performance and the Kia Tigers to a championship victory in the 2024 KBO League.

    – Kyoo Bok Lee: Appointed president of Hyundai Glovis, Kyoo has driven financial stability and market competitiveness. His efforts include the company’s first-ever Investor Day and expanded investments in integrated logistics capabilities.

    New appointments across affiliates

    – Cheol Seung Baek: Promoted to CEO of Hyundai Transys, Cheol will focus on powertrain, electrification, and seating innovations while addressing labour and management strategies.

    – Joon Dong Oh: Elevated to CEO of Hyundai KEFICO, Joon will strengthen electrification capabilities and lead the transition from internal combustion engine parts to electrification-driven businesses.

    – Hanwoo Lee: Appointed CEO of Hyundai E&C, Hanwoo will diversify the global portfolio in civil engineering and the energy sector while accelerating strategic investments.

    – Woo Jeong Joo: Promoted to CEO of Hyundai Engineering, Woo will focus on enhancing financial performance and organisational competitiveness to position the company as an industry leader.

    Hyundai’s latest appointments reflect its performance-driven approach to leadership renewal and organisational growth. The Group remains committed to proactive talent development and the promotion of exceptional leaders to ensure long-term competitiveness and global success.