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Category: People

  • Deepak Lamba joins Fashion Entrepreneur Fund as CEO

    Deepak Lamba joins Fashion Entrepreneur Fund as CEO

    Mumbai: The Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF) appoints media veteran Deepak Lamba as chief executive officer, positioning him to spearhead its vision of fostering cutting-edge innovation within the fashion sector. With over 20 years in media, lifestyle, and entertainment, Lamba brings extensive experience launching high-impact initiatives for prominent companies, ensuring his role at FEF will be transformative for the fund and its fashion entrepreneur partners.

    In his new position, Lamba aims to advance FEF’s unique venture studio model, which integrates strategic mentorship with capital funding to accelerate growth for budding fashion and lifestyle brands. “I believe that powerful, meaningful experiences can shape industries and inspire individuals,” Lamba stated. “Joining FEF is an opportunity to build platforms that offer unparalleled value, in both business and personal growth.”

    With FEF valued at Rs 540 crore, Lamba will direct strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with Dharmatic to launch an annual web series, enhancing FEF’s reach within the fashion industry. The fund’s investor pool includes influential figures like Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Ravi Jaipuria, Naveen Jindal, and Vinod Dugar, highlighting FEF’s robust network and support in achieving unicorn status by 2028.

    FEF’s chairman Vagish Pathak and founder Sanjay Nigam shared, “With Deepak at the helm of the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, we are poised to ignite innovation and drive sustainable growth in the industry, empowering visionary entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality.”

    Lamba previously led Times Strategic Solutions Ltd. and World Wide Media and held significant leadership roles at Bloomberg UTV and Viacom18, showcasing his proven record of strategic growth. His appointment marks a pivotal step in FEF’s ambition to nurture India’s next generation of disruptive fashion brands.

  • Ibis hotels bolsters sales leadership with key appointments in India

    Ibis hotels bolsters sales leadership with key appointments in India

    Mumbai: Ibis hotels has strengthened its sales leadership team, appointing three dynamic directors of sales in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, to drive market growth and solidify client relationships. These strategic appointments aim to bolster Ibis hotels’ presence in India, aligning with the brand’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences and sustainable growth.

    Najma Varghese, now multi hotel director of sales for ibis Bengaluru Hebbal, ibis Bengaluru City Center, and ibis Bengaluru Hosur Road, brings over 15 years of expertise in sales management. Known for expanding client networks, she expressed, “I am thrilled to join the ibis family and embrace this new opportunity. My goal is to support ibis Hotels’ vision by fostering dynamic client partnerships and driving impactful business growth.” Najma will lead strategic account management to elevate ibis Bengaluru’s market presence.

    In Mumbai, Divya Bhagat steps into the role of multi hotel director of sales for ibis Mumbai Vikhroli, ibis Navi Mumbai, and ibis Thane. With a history of success at The Oberoi Group and Pullman Gurgaon, Divya stated, “I look forward to building upon the strong foundation here by bringing fresh sales strategies that foster client relationships and drive growth” Divya remarked. She is poised to position ibis Hotels in Mumbai as leaders in quality and service, catering to the region’s evolving hospitality demands.

    In Hyderabad, Rajesh Dudi takes charge as director of sales at ibis Hyderabad, Hitec City. With an 18-year tenure in hospitality at brands like The Westin Hyderabad, Rajesh aims to enhance the ibis brand’s presence. “I am excited to collaborate with our team to deliver exceptional guest experiences and grow the ibis brand in Hyderabad” His focus will be on strengthening ibis Hyderabad’s competitive edge and fostering meaningful client partnerships” he stated.

    Ibis & ibis Styles India, head of commercial, Animesh Kumar commented on the appointments, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Najma, Divya, and Rajesh to our ibis family. Each brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective that will be invaluable in driving our vision for growth and market leadership. Their expertise in relationship-building and strategic sales aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering unparalleled value and experiences to our guests across India.”

     

  • Manu Kumar steps down from Hero Electric Vehicles

    Manu Kumar steps down from Hero Electric Vehicles

    Mumbai: After over seven years leading marketing and corporate communications at Hero Electric Vehicles, Manu Kumar has decided to move on. Reflecting on his time as head of marketing and crop comm, he noted the role’s impact on his professional growth and Hero Electric’s brand presence in the EV sector.

    With more than 25 years of experience in integrated marketing across sectors such as IT, telecom, FMCG, BFSI, and NGOs, Kumar has led brand and communication strategies for blue-chip brands and startups alike. His past roles include Head of Marketing for UTStarcom India and South Asia, Head of Brand Communications at Bharti Airtel, and Brand Manager for Chevron Texaco. He has also worked with prominent agencies, managing accounts for major clients including Coke, Intel, and Microsoft.

    In a LinkedIn post, Kumar wrote that he is taking a short sabbatical to recharge before exploring new opportunities. During this time, he’ll focus on mentoring startups in go-to-market and brand strategies, and engage with colleges and universities for guest lectures and mentorship programs.

  • Pepperfry names Shubbam Sharrma as new chief growth officer

    Pepperfry names Shubbam Sharrma as new chief growth officer

    Mumbai: Pepperfry, India’s e-commerce furniture and home decor platform, has appointed Shubbam Sharrma as chief growth officer, marking a significant step in the brand’s journey to redefine growth. With over 17 years of expertise across retail, e-commerce, and omnichannel ventures, Sharrma is set to lead Pepperfry’s strategic expansion, focus on customer acquisition, and boost operational efficiency.

    In his role as CGO, Sharrma will expand Pepperfry’s presence in the home categories, launch new product segments, and elevate B2B growth through initiatives like the multi-tiered channel partner program and partnerships with Horeca and corporate clients. His proven track record in driving transformative growth makes him a valuable addition to Pepperfry’s leadership team.

    Welcoming Sharrma aboard, Pepperfry co-founder & CEO, Ashish Shah said, “We are delighted to welcome Shubbam to the Pepperfry family. His extensive experience in driving growth in retail, coupled with his deep understanding of the consumer landscape, makes him the ideal leader to spearhead our next phase of expansion. We are confident that Shubbam’s vision and expertise will be instrumental in solidifying Pepperfry’s position as the undisputed leader in the furniture, mattress and home décor market.”

    Expressing his excitement, Sharrma said, “I’m thrilled to be part of Pepperfry during this exciting phase of its growth journey. For anyone looking to buy furniture, Pepperfry has become the go-to destination. Our aim would be to further enhance this segment with tech-driven innovation and omnichannel integration to complete more and more customer journeys and make the business funnel more efficient. By fostering content and community engagement, we will democratize access for D2C entrepreneurs, helping to bring the best curated collections to our customers”.

    Sharrma added, “Our vision is to blend new-age and legacy brands, creating a one-stop destination for all things home—truly the best of both worlds. Furthermore, we see immense potential in the B2B segment, particularly in building a curated platform for architects and interior designers to meet their discerning clients’ needs. As any B2B client setting up a workspace requires extensive furniture and decor, we are committed to developing efficient channels to serve this segment effectively. Together, we will set new benchmarks for customer-centricity, operational excellence and innovation.”

    Prior to Pepperfry, Sharrma was chief business officer at ImpactGuru, where he drove multi-city growth and optimised operations, marketing, and HR processes. He played a pivotal role in CarDekho’s success in the used car retail space and has consulting experience with KSA Technopak and RedSeer, advising on digital transformation and growth strategies.

  • Atul Jain takes helm as MD & CEO of Aptech Ltd.

    Atul Jain takes helm as MD & CEO of Aptech Ltd.

    Mumbai: Aptech Ltd. appoints Atul Jain as its new managing director & chief executive officer. Jain will drive Aptech’s strategic vision, focusing on sustainable growth and innovation to strengthen the brand’s legacy in an evolving market.

    As MD & CEO, Jain will collaborate with the board to align Aptech’s operations with its core mission and values, emphasising integrity, creativity, and industry leadership. His efforts will center on shaping the company’s brand and outreach strategies to expand Aptech’s impact in vocational training.

    “I am deeply honoured and grateful to the Board of Directors at Aptech Ltd. for this incredible opportunity. Leading Aptech at this critical juncture is both a privilege and a great responsibility. My focus will be on empowering our teams, fostering collaboration, and leading the charge towards operational excellence. Together, we will continue to innovate, adapt, and deliver exceptional value to all our stakeholders, ensuring Aptech not only meets its goals but defines the future of the industry.” Jain stated.

    Jain, an IIT-Delhi and IIM-Calcutta alumnus, brings over three decades of experience across sales, marketing, operations, and strategy. Before Aptech, he held leadership roles at Orient Electric Ltd. and Samsung Electronics in India and Korea. His industry influence includes a tenure as chairman of CII’s Indian Fan Manufacturers Association and involvement with CEAMA and Delhi Management Association.

     

  • Livpure appoints Rahul Khanna to lead strategic business unit for appliances

    Livpure appoints Rahul Khanna to lead strategic business unit for appliances

    Mumbai: Livpure, a leading SAR Group company specialising in water purification and appliance technology, has appointed Rahul Khanna as head of its strategic business unit for appliances. Bringing over 17 years of industry experience with top brands like Panasonic, LG, and Samsung, Khanna is set to lead Livpure’s appliance division toward accelerated growth and innovation.

    Before joining Livpure, Khanna served as Samsung Electronics, product management head for living product appliances, where his expertise in product development and market expansion contributed to impressive growth and customer satisfaction. In his new role, Khanna will focus on product portfolio management, business strategy, and expanding Livpure’s market presence while enhancing brand visibility.

    Expressing excitement about his new role, Khanna stated, “I am honoured to join Livpure, a company known for its commitment to quality and customer-centric innovation. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Livpure to drive product excellence, elevate the customer experience, and further solidify our market position.”

    Livpure, MD & CEO, Rakesh Kaul welcomed Khanna’s appointment, saying, “We are excited to welcome Rahul to the Livpure family. His industry knowledge and strategic acumen will be invaluable as we aim to strengthen our foothold in the appliance market. With Rahul at the helm, we are well-positioned to achieve new milestones and deliver outstanding value to our customers.”

    Under Khanna’s leadership, Livpure aims to expand its appliance lineup, reinforcing its dedication to quality, innovation, and market leadership.

  • PR Professionals appoints Rajveer Ahuja as director – film & entertainment

    PR Professionals appoints Rajveer Ahuja as director – film & entertainment

    Mumbai: PR Professionals, the flagship of PRP Group has appointed Rajveer Ahuja as director of its film and entertainment division to enhance its presence in the industry.

    Ahuja brings over two decades of experience in filmmaking, writing, and direction, with notable roles as an actor and writer in Gollu Aur Pappu and as a dialogue writer for Fugly, which introduced Kiara Advani. His portfolio includes contributions to award-winning films like Modi ji ki Beti, Cheel Gadi (Flying Wagon), Girl in Red, Mukti, Peanut Butter, Lonely Girl: A Psychological Thriller, The Gift, Tera Mera Pyar Amar, and The Last Show.

    Ahuja also produced all seasons of the musical series Bhoomi by Salim-Sulaiman, known for featuring Indian musicians. As part of Bhoomi 2024, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan have collaborated on a new song, Chhaila. In advertising, Ahuja has produced the JBL ad featuring AR Rahman and directed the Matrix Forex commercial with Shahrukh Khan.

    With Ahuja leading the film & entertainment division, PR Professionals aims to expand its influence in the entertainment sector, focusing on creative innovation and strategic partnerships.

    PR Professionals founder & MD Dr Sarvesh Tiwari shared “We are excited to welcome Rajveer to lead our Film & Entertainment division. His extensive experience, visionary approach, and passion for storytelling align with our goals of creating impactful content and fostering growth in the entertainment industry. We are confident that this strategic expansion will enhance our capabilities and elevate our work to new heights.”

    Ahuja shared, “I am happy to be a part of PR Professionals which has grown phenomenally in the past. I am thrilled to lead their films and entertainment division and take it forward to newer heights.”

    The Films and Entertainment division of PR Professionals has managed publicity and promotions for Bollywood hits like Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar with Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, and Dream Girl 2 with Ayushmann Khurana and Ananya Pandey.

    Founded in 2011, PR Professionals is an integrated communications agency focused on branding and public relations. The agency supports businesses in achieving market presence and engages in philanthropic activities. Confianza Consulting, part of PRP Group, provides human resource solutions, including talent acquisition, performance management, and compliance. PRP Group has expanded to 12 offices in India and six international locations.

  • Zee promotes Chandni Mathur to director of corp comm

    Zee promotes Chandni Mathur to director of corp comm

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises has promoted Chandni Mathur to director of corporate communications, after her role as associate director of corporate communications.

    With nearly seven years at Zee, she has held key positions, including associate director and senior manager, where she developed effective strategies and enhanced media relations.

    Mathur began her career as a business journalist and has over seven years of experience in media, advertising, and marketing. She has also worked with organisations such as Financial Express, Radioandmusic.com, and Focus TV.

  • Castrol India appoints Kedar Lele as managing director

    Castrol India appoints Kedar Lele as managing director

    Mumbai: Castrol India has announced the appointment of Kedar Lele as its new managing director, effective 1 November 2024.

    Kedar joins Castrol India after an illustrious two-decade-long career at Hindustan Unilever (HUL), where he last served as the executive director of the company, responsible for sales & customer development, South Asia. With his deep expertise in leading high-performing teams, driving growth, and fostering innovation, Kedar is set to play a pivotal role in steering Castrol India’s future in the evolving automotive and lubricants industry.

    Castrol India chairman Rakesh Makhija said, “We are delighted to welcome Kedar to Castrol India. His vast experience in driving growth and leading large teams in complex markets makes him an outstanding choice to lead Castrol India. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sandeep for his exceptional leadership over the past few years. His contributions have been invaluable in strengthening our position in the market, and we wish him success in his new global role.”

    Lele said, “Castrol is a widely recognised brand in the lubricants industry, and I am very excited to lead Castrol India in its next leg of growth and transformation. A key priority for me will be to continue to expand our portfolio coupled with effective deployment models to drive business growth. We will continue to use our trusted brand, innovative product portfolio and cutting-edge technology to stay at the forefront of India’s mobility sector. My experience of working with different categories and geographies has prepared me well to build winning teams while cultivating a spirit of innovation and discipline of execution excellence that aligns with Castrol’s ambitious growth plans.”

    To ensure a smooth leadership transition, Kedar has been collaborating with outgoing managing director Sandeep Sangwan since 1 September 2024. This period has enabled Kedar to gain insights into the company’s operations and build relationships with key stakeholders.

    Sandeep will take on the role of global chief marketing officer at Castrol’s headquarters in London starting 1 November 2024.

    With Kedar leading in India, Castrol is positioned for ongoing success in the region. The company remains focused on maintaining its market position, driving innovation, and creating value for its stakeholders.

  • Gulf Oil Lubricants India appoints Abhijit Kulkarni as chief commercial officer

    Gulf Oil Lubricants India appoints Abhijit Kulkarni as chief commercial officer

    Mumbai: Gulf Oil Lubricants India, a prominent player in the lubricants industry has appointed Abhijit Kulkarni as chief commercial officer (CCO). With over two decades of diverse experience across top-tier MNCs including Unilever, Castrol and Coca Cola, Kulkarni brings a wealth of expertise in strategic marketing, brand development, sales, and general management. In his new role, he will assume responsibility for overseeing Gulf Oil’s B2C and B2B business segments (excluding OEM), synergy, and marketing, and will report directly to Gulf Oil Lubricants India MD & CEO Ravi Chawla.

    Kulkarni joins Gulf Oil from Unilever, where he held leadership roles over 16 years, including cluster general manager for Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam in the FMCG major’s ice cream division with P&L responsibilities. He led initiatives like revitalizing Unilever’s Thailand ice cream business and introducing brands like ‘Magnum’ in India. His experience in driving growth, portfolio management, and team building will support Gulf Oil’s channel business and align it with the company’s commercial goals.

    Chawla said, “We are delighted to welcome Abhijit Kulkarni to Gulf. His extensive leadership experience and proven track record in delivering accelerated business growth by driving brand, sales & marketing initiatives & contributing to the strategic agenda make him a valuable addition to our team. With his deep expertise across markets and sectors, I am confident that Mr. Kulkarni will bring fresh energy in our B2C and B2B profitable growth trajectory as we continue to expand our market shares.”

    Kulkarni said, “Gulf is an aspirational brand and its strong legacy and brand presence offer a unique opportunity to contribute to the company’s growth story. The company’s commitment to continuous innovation and excellence makes it an exciting time to join the organization. I look forward to working with the passionate team at Gulf Oil to deliver value to our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

    Kulkarni holds an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) and a Bachelor of Engineering from Government College of Engineering, Pune (COEP). His diverse leadership roles in both Indian and international markets have equipped him with a unique perspective on driving business success in dynamic environments.