Category: People

  • Prapti Anand joins Stepathlon advisory board to boost social impact

    Prapti Anand joins Stepathlon advisory board to boost social impact

    Mumbai: Stepathlon proudly announces the appointment of Prapti Anand to its global advisory board, reinforcing its dedication to ‘Commerce with Compassion’. Prapti brings extensive international expertise in strategic philanthropy across both public and private sectors, most recently leading CSR investments and partnerships for Fondation CHANEL in APAC.

    Stepathlon CEO, Ravi Krishnan expressed enthusiasm about the new addition: “Stepathlon’s mission is to be both a ‘thought and thoughtful leader’. Prapti has the capability  and conviction to carry and ensure we fulfil our purpose.Prapti’s active involvement and experience will strengthen our commitment to ‘Commerce with Compassion’ and ‘Endeavour with Empathy’”

    Anand’s reputation for building impactful, multi-sector partnerships aligns seamlessly with Stepathlon’s goal of promoting well-being. Her leadership is set to enhance the company’s initiatives that foster social impact through strategic alliances.

    Anand shared her excitement: “I am excited to join a company that prioritises well-being and social impact  blending purpose with commerce. I look forward to contributing to Stepathlon’s ambition to  create a healthier, happier population and planet!”

    Stepathlon’s commitment to improving global well-being is set to deepen with this strategic appointment, advancing its vision for a compassionate approach to business and community growth.

  • Physics Wallah appoints Amit Sachdeva as CFO to drive financial strategy

    Physics Wallah appoints Amit Sachdeva as CFO to drive financial strategy

    Mumbai: Physics Wallah (PW) proudly announces the appointment of Amit Sachdeva, former CFO at Blinkit, as its new chief financial officer. Bringing a wealth of experience in financial strategy and transformation across consumer tech, IT, and ITeS sectors, Sachdeva is set to enhance PW’s mission of delivering quality, accessible education to students nationwide. With leadership roles at prestigious companies like IGT Solutions, Blinkit, and Wipro, Sachdeva is well-prepared to guide PW’s financial oversight and growth initiatives.

    Sachdeva is a chartered accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a certified public accountant in the USA. An alumnus of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi, he brings both a strong educational background and years of hands-on experience to PW. As CFO, Sachdeva will lead PW’s strategic and financial initiatives, advancing the company’s vision of accessible, high-quality education.

    Reflecting on his new role, Sachdeva stated, “Joining Physics Wallah is a great opportunity to support an organisation seeking to make education accessible to so many. I am thankful to Alakh Sir and Prateek Sir for this opportunity and PW’s objective to broaden educational access and be of help to students working towards their goals.”

    Physics Wallah, CEO, Alakh Pandey highlighted the significance of this appointment: “Amit’s experience in financial leadership and his focus on robust corporate governance will be invaluable as we continue our efforts to grow and broaden our educational impact. His approach to finance as a transformative tool aligns with PW’s goals, and we’re happy to welcome him.”

    With Sachdeva’s expertise, Physics Wallah aims to reinforce its financial planning, enable sustainable growth, and further its commitment to making quality education accessible to all.

  • Fireside Ventures appoints Adarsh Menon as operating partner

    Fireside Ventures appoints Adarsh Menon as operating partner

    Mumbai: On 12 November 2024, Fireside Ventures, an early-stage venture fund focused on consumer brands, appointed Adarsh Menon as operating partner. This strategic addition aims to bolster the leadership team as Fireside Ventures continues its growth trajectory.

    In his new role, Menon will serve on the boards of select portfolio companies, offering his expertise and strategic insights. With a robust 23-year career spanning sales and marketing leadership at esteemed organisations like Flipkart, Hindustan Unilever Ltd, and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Menon brings exceptional skills in team building, mentoring industry leaders, and driving business growth.

    Fireside Ventures, founder & managing partner, Kanwaljit Singh expressed, ‘We are delighted to welcome Adarsh to the leadership team and in the Fireside family. As we continue to grow and evolve as a fund, it’s essential to bring in leaders who share our passion for building sustainable, iconic consumer brands. Adarsh’s impressive track record in scaling businesses, coupled with his deep expertise in FMCG and e-commerce, makes him an invaluable asset to our team and portfolio companies. His appointment reinforces our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs with top-notch expertise, and we’re confident that his mentorship will help our companies navigate the complexities of the consumer landscape.’

    Menon shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Fireside has built a strong niche and stature in the ecosystem by living and practising the value of ‘Good’ – being founder-first and helping brands do good to do well. The track record of building purposeful brands is truly inspiring! I am delighted to join Fireside and be a part of this amazing journey.”

     

  • Scholars Merit appoints Nancy D as chief business officer

    Scholars Merit appoints Nancy D as chief business officer

    Mumbai: Scholars Merit, an IT consultancy firm based in Noida, has appointed Nancy D as its new chief business officer (CBO). With a strong background in global business strategy, digital transformation, and market expansion, Nancy will lead the company’s growth and digital initiatives.

    As CBO, she will focus on strengthening Scholars Merit’s global presence, driving digital transformation, and forming key strategic partnerships. Her expertise in go-to-market strategies will help expand the company’s reach beyond the education sector.

    Scholars Merit CEO Sumit Shukla said, “We are pleased to welcome Nancy as a key member of Scholars Merit team. Her experience and success in growing business will be instrumental in scaling our global operations and advancing our digital initiatives. Nancy will play an important role in shaping the future of Scholars Merit.”

    Nancy said, “I am honored to join Scholars Merit and look forward to working alongside the talented team here to push the boundaries of digital transformation. Together, we will focus on creating impactful solutions that drive growth and innovation, strengthening our global footprint and client relationships.”

    Scholars Merit recently launched TaskOne, WebOne, and CloudOne, a suite of solutions aimed at helping IT businesses streamline operations, optimize performance, and drive digital transformation. These tools complement the company’s existing services, such as the i-merit platform and SM360, which focus on student development for a smooth transition into the corporate world. The new solutions are designed to help organizations stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market.

  • Sharad Gupta joins GoKwik as senior director – products

    Sharad Gupta joins GoKwik as senior director – products

    Mumbai: GoKwik, an e-commerce enabler in India, has appointed Sharad Gupta as senior director of products. With over a decade of experience, Sharad will lead GoKwik’s custom checkout vertical, focusing on streamlining checkout and payment processes to enhance digital shopping and support brand growth across e-commerce platforms.

    Before GoKwik, Sharad held key roles at Swiggy, Dineout, and Paytm. At Swiggy, he led initiatives including a partnership with IRCTC that expanded food delivery for train passengers. At Dineout, he contributed to customer loyalty and product development, and at Paytm, he strengthened customer support infrastructure. His experience in product strategy and consumer experience aligns with GoKwik’s goals.

    GoKwik co-founder & CEO Chirag Taneja stated, “Having Sharad join our team is a significant step towards becoming deeply platform agnostic. We believe that every eCommerce brand should be able to provide a smooth, fast, and secure checkout experience regardless of the platform they are present in. That’s what Sharad is going to drive. Sharad’s expertise in building impactful products makes him an ideal leader to drive our checkout solutions forward. We’re excited about the potential his leadership brings in shaping GoKwik’s growth and increasing the value we deliver to our partner brands.”

    Gupta said, “What excites me most about joining GoKwik is the team’s passion for making digital commerce easy and seamless for everyone. The eCommerce space in India is booming, with brands actively seeking innovative, frictionless ways to engage directly with consumers. GoKwik is at the forefront of this shift, setting new standards for a smooth, hassle-free shopping experience that keeps customers returning. I’m thrilled to be part of a team that’s redefining the online shopping landscape and championing the future of eCommerce in such a meaningful way.”

    GoKwik’s network includes over 10,000 brands, such as Lenskart, Neemans, Man Matters, and Shoppers Stop, spanning categories like fashion, beauty, health, nutrition, and electronics. With over 120 million shoppers, its leadership team features talent from Amazon, Myntra, Google, and Nykaa. GoKwik anticipates continued growth during the festive season leading up to Diwali.

  • Lapp India appoints Sumit Mitra as MD

    Lapp India appoints Sumit Mitra as MD

    Mumbai: Lapp India has appointed Sumit Mitra as managing director, effective 1 November 2024. With over three decades of experience in the industrial sector, Sumit’s leadership will drive Lapp India’s growth and market expansion. Based in Bangalore, he will report to the CEO of Lapp Asia Pacific.

    Sumit joins Lapp from SKF Group, where he contributed to operational excellence and market growth in both Indian and multinational companies. His strategic skills and focus on talent development make him a key addition to Lapp’s leadership team.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Sumit to Lapp India,” said Lapp Asia Pacific CEO Richard Lee. “India is our largest market outside Germany, with immense growth potential across industries. Sumit’s strategic vision and expertise will be instrumental in accelerating our expansion and deepening our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our Indian customers.”

    In his new role, Sumit will focus on transforming Lapp India into a leading player in cable and connectivity solutions, with a commitment to tackling complex customer challenges across diverse industries. He aims to strengthen the company’s operational base, scale product offerings, and bring industry-first technologies to India’s growing market.

    “Joining Lapp India is both an honour and a tremendous opportunity,” stated Mitra. “The strong growth in the Indian economy provides Lapp tremendous opportunities for our existing business as well as in many new segments. I look forward to harnessing these opportunities to drive profitable growth at Lapp India.”

    A graduate in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Pune University and an MBA from IIM-Calcutta, Sumit’s strong people-centric approach, combined with his technical and strategic background, underscores his vision for Lapp India’s future.

  • Aditya Birla Group appoints Meghna Sharma as AGM of corporate communications

    Aditya Birla Group appoints Meghna Sharma as AGM of corporate communications

    Mumbai: In a significant addition to its leadership, Aditya Birla Management Corporation has appointed Meghna Sharma as assistant general manager (AGM) of corporate communications and PR. Sharma, a seasoned communications expert, brings two decades of experience in strategic PR and corporate communications, making her a valuable asset to Aditya Birla’s extensive network.

    With a portfolio that spans leading firms across various industries, Sharma is known for her expertise in reputation management, media relations, and crisis communication. Her appointment at Aditya Birla aligns with the corporation’s goal to reinforce its brand presence across traditional and digital channels.

    Sharma’s expertise will play a key role in advancing Aditya Birla’s communication strategies, especially as the company focuses on engaging stakeholders in an increasingly digital landscape.

     

  • Publicis Groupe South Asia elevates Lalatendu Das to CEO, Publicis Media South Asia

    Publicis Groupe South Asia elevates Lalatendu Das to CEO, Publicis Media South Asia

    Publicis Groupe South Asia announced today that it has elevated Lalatendu Das (LD), the current CEO of Performics India, to the newly created role of CEO of Publicis Media South Asia. Continuing to report to Publicis Groupe South Asia CEO Anupriya Acharya, LD will work closely with Zenith India CEO Jai Lala; Starcom India CEO Rathi Gangappa; PMX India MD Sejal Shah and other media leaders.

    LD joined Publicis Groupe India in early 2022 as CEO of Performics India and in these three years he has further added marquee accounts, incubated innovative products and pivoted Performics India to top place in performance marketing and end-to-end digital solutions. Before joining Publicis Groupe South Asia, LD spent nearly a decade at McKinsey as a Partner and founding member of McKinsey Digital Labs in Asia Pacific. He co-led the McKinsey Digital/Technology practice, focusing on new digital business builds, customer journey transformations, and advanced analytics-led transformations. LD has also held major operational roles at Tata Consultancy Services for over a decade. An engineer and Postgraduate in Business Management from IIM Ahmedabad, LD has 25 years of experience.

    Anupriya Acharya said, “LD is a remarkable leader with established credentials. He has led Performics India to great heights in the past three years. His extensive background in consulting, digital-led transformation, and large-scale operations across India and global markets made him uniquely qualified to drive significant value for our media clients. We are really excited to have him take on this new mandate.”

    Lalatendu Das said, “I am delighted to be leading Publicis Media South Asia at an exciting, pivotal, and transformative time.  It has scaled capabilities across strategy, insights and analytics, data and technology, and a strong and established portfolio of brands in its client roster. I look forward to keeping the growth momentum going, delivering industry-first offerings and tangible, exponential growth for clients. The canvas is vast, and the opportunities are huge.”  

    In a separate development, Publicis Media Services South Asia CEO Tanmay Mohanty is moving on to pursue new opportunities. He was overseeing the media operations of Zenith India and Starcom India in addition to the Media Product & Solutions Portfolio.

    Anupriya Acharya said, “I would like to thank Tanmay for his contributions which have been invaluable. During his tenure with us, our media services and capabilities have not only scaled up tremendously with some of our biggest clients, but they have become the best offerings in the market. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

  • Xiaomi India shakes up leadership as it aims to regain market lead

    Xiaomi India shakes up leadership as it aims to regain market lead

    Mumbai: In a significant move, Xiaomi India is reshaping its leadership to reclaim its former dominance in the fiercely competitive Indian smartphone market. The announcement of Xiaomi India’s president, Muralikrishnan B, stepping down marks a turning point, coinciding with the recent appointment of industry veteran Sudhin Mathur as the company’s chief operating officer.

    Muralikrishnan’s resignation aligns with his personal goals as he pursues a doctorate at the prestigious Indian School of Business. He will take a six-month gardening leave following his departure. This exit is expected to make waves within the company, given Muralikrishnan’s crucial role in Xiaomi India’s previous market strategies.

    Xiaomi India, general manager, Alvin Tse since 2022, has been managing the company’s operations from China. Tse remains at the helm of Xiaomi India’s business, even as he entrusts Mathur with the company’s front-facing responsibilities. “Alvin will remain the India head, and Sudhin Mathur will now be the company’s new face. Alvin brought Mathur onboard to lead the operations,” Moneycontrol quoted a source as saying.

    Mathur, with an impressive background as the former managing director of Motorola and Lenovo, is anticipated to play a pivotal role in rejuvenating Xiaomi India’s market position. Under his guidance, the company aims to strengthen its strategy, foster sustainable growth, and capture a broader share of the market.

    The official announcement of Muralikrishnan’s exit is expected later today. Xiaomi India has yet to respond to requests for comment.

  • Shreyas Srinivasan resigns post Zomato acquisition

    Shreyas Srinivasan resigns post Zomato acquisition

    Mumbai: In a significant leadership transition, Shreyas Srinivasan, chief product officer (CPO) of Paytm and founder of Paytm Insider, has resigned following Zomato’s acquisition of the ticketing platform. This move marks a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of India’s digital entertainment and fintech sectors.

    Srinivasan, who co-founded Insider.in in 2014, played a crucial role in shaping India’s live entertainment ticketing industry. Under his leadership, the platform expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of events, from stand-up comedy shows to adventure treks, catering to a broad audience base. In 2017, Paytm acquired a majority stake in Insider.in, integrating it into its ecosystem and rebranding it as Paytm Insider.

    The recent acquisition of Paytm Insider by Zomato signifies the food delivery giant’s strategic entry into the live events and entertainment sector. This move aligns with Zomato’s broader vision to diversify its services and enhance user engagement beyond food delivery.

    Srinivasan’s departure raises questions about the future direction of Paytm’s product development and its strategy in the entertainment domain. His resignation follows a series of leadership changes within Paytm, including the exit of president and COO Bhavesh Gupta earlier this year.