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Category: People

  • Ankur Aggarwal elected chairman of CropLife India during 44th AGM

    Ankur Aggarwal elected chairman of CropLife India during 44th AGM

    Mumbai: CropLife India announces a significant leadership transition with the election of Crystal Crop Protection Ltd, managing director, Ankur Aggarwal as the new chairman of the board during its 44th Annual General Meeting. Aggarwal succeeds K. C. Ravi, who served as chairman for the past four years, bringing his extensive expertise to guide the organisation’s mission of advancing sustainable agriculture in India.  

    The AGM also re-elected Sumitomo Chemical India, vice president, Anil Kakkar  as vice chairman for a fourth consecutive year. Additionally, Bayer CropScience, chief operating officer for India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, Mohan Babu joins the leadership as the second vice chairman of the board.  

    Aggarwal emphasised the challenges facing India’s agriculture, stating, “India is confronted with a pressing challenge: decreasing agricultural landholdings alongside a growing population, which is increasing at about 0.8 per cent annually. This scenario heightens the demand for food production, putting pressure on food systems and necessitating innovative solutions for food security. To address this, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, efficient resource management, and responsible use of crop protection solutions will be essential for maximising productivity on existing farmland. As the Chairman of CropLife India, we remain committed to improving the lives of Indian farmers. We are dedicated to providing them with science-based solutions that ensure effective and sustainable crop protection.”  

    CropLife India, secretary general, Durgesh Chandra expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating, “It will be our earnest endeavor in collaborating closely with Ankur Aggarwal and the board of directors, to fulfill our responsibility in delivering the latest and safest innovations. Together, we aim to educate farmers on the safe and responsible use of crop protection solutions, ensuring they can effectively protect their crops while prioritising safety and sustainability.”  

    With its members working closely with farmers, the scientific community, and policymakers, CropLife India continues to tackle both current and future agricultural challenges. Member companies have pledged to invest 10 billion Euros in precision agriculture by 2030, along with another 4 billion Euros in biopesticides development, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable growth.  

    The new leadership is set to steer CropLife India towards a more resilient agricultural future, prioritising innovative technologies and sustainable practices to help farmers meet growing demands.  

  • Upasana Naithani joins FCB Kinnect as SVP (West)

    Upasana Naithani joins FCB Kinnect as SVP (West)

    Mumbai: FCB Kinnect has announced the appointment of Upasana Naithani as senior vice president (west). This appointment highlights the agency’s commitment to broaden the expansion strategy for the Western market, home to its largest clients and significant business interests.

    Upasana moves from Wunderman Thompson, where she was vice president & CSD.

    In her new role as SVP (West), she will draw on her experience to scale the agency’s Mumbai client base, explore new markets, and drive strategic initiatives. She will also lead her teams in fostering collaboration with the new creative leadership, enhancing FCB Kinnect’s position as a creatively-led integrated agency.

    Upasana has previously been associated with renowned brands such as Spotify, Flipkart, Hershey’s, Kotak Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Colgate Palmolive, Ultratech Cement, Truecaller, iQOO, Paytm, NPCI, JSW Brand, Unilever, Elle, Ponds, and Sunsilk, among others.

    Her work on UltraTech’s ‘Baat Ghar Ki’ campaign earned accolades at the EFFIES, while Sunsilk’s ‘Thick and Long’ campaign won an Abby. She also received awards for Unilever Corporate’s ‘Project Sunlight’ at IDMA and Elle18’s ‘Make Your Own Shade’ at Kyoorius, among other recognitions.

    With over 15 years of experience, Upasana has also worked with companies like Dentsu Webchutney, Reliance Retail, Infectious Advertising, VML, BC Webwise and Flying Cursor Interactive, among others.

    FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “Upasana’s extensive experience with leading brands across various categories will be instrumental in helping us expand our presence in our largest market, by gaining a deeper understanding of client needs. I am confident that she will be crucial in strengthening relationships with both new and existing clients, providing them with creative solutions to their business challenges.”

    Naithani added, “Rohan and Chandni’s vision and leadership has established a solid foundation for success. In a landscape where many large agencies grapple with balancing traditional and modern practices, Kinnect’s approach is remarkably refreshing. Their commitment to continuous learning and positive embrace of change is what truly excites me about joining the Kinnect family.”

  • Rohit Tikmany joins Zeno Health as chief product & marketing officer

    Rohit Tikmany joins Zeno Health as chief product & marketing officer

    Mumbai: Rohit Tikmany has taken on the role of chief product and marketing officer at Zeno Health. Before this, he served as senior product leader at Viacom 18 Private Ltd.

    His experience also includes positions as product and business leader at People Interactive and co-Founder and COO at Limo by rBus.

    Additionally, he has worked as an edtech leader at Manipal University Learning and held a business & marketing leadership role at Universal Education Group. 

  • Drive Fitt appoints Vikram Bhatia as CEO, aiming to revolutionise fitness

    Drive Fitt appoints Vikram Bhatia as CEO, aiming to revolutionise fitness

    Mumbai: Drive Fitt has appointed Vikram Aditya Bhatia as its new chief executive officer. With over 30 years of leadership in the global fitness industry and a history in competitive sports, Vikram is set to spearhead Drive Fitt’s strategic vision, expand operations, and enhance the company’s commitment to offering unparalleled fitness experiences.  

    Vikram brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including Fitness First India’s managing director and leading the brand’s expansion in the Middle East. He also facilitated the sale of Fitness First India for global hedge fund Oaktree Capital and has designed cutting-edge fitness clubs worldwide. Bhatia’s contributions to the industry were recognised in 2022 when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for a leading virtual fitness platform.  

    Sharing his vision for Drive Fitt, Bhatia said, “I’m excited to join Drive Fitt, where we’re making fitness and cricket more accessible for enthusiasts. In India, cricket holds deep emotional value, but few have access to play it in a convenient, organised setting. Drive Fitt will change that by offering dedicated, structured environments in well-designed real estate—whether mixed-use or multi-family—allowing enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the game. Our mission is to meet the demand for accessible cricket and fitness experiences. With Drive Fitt, we aim to ‘PVR-ise’ cricket, multi-format fitness, and recovery. We’re also introducing a unique ‘running room,’ crucial to both cricket and fitness, blending sport, recovery, and social self-care in a new way.”  

    Co-founder & chairman Mark Sellar expressed, “We’re thrilled to have Vikram Aditya Bhatia join Drive Fitt as CEO. His extensive experience in building high-performance fitness brands and his passion for sport align perfectly with our vision. Together, we’re creating a unique space where fitness and cricket enthusiasts can thrive. Vikram’s leadership will be pivotal as we scale Drive Fitt across India and internationally, bringing world-class fitness experiences to communities everywhere.”  

    Co-founder & MD, Deke Smith added, “Vikram’s proven track record in the global fitness industry makes him the ideal leader for this next phase of growth. At Drive Fitt, we aim to innovate the way people engage with fitness, blending sport, recovery, and social well-being. With Vikram at the helm, we’re confident we’ll set new standards in the industry, delivering unparalleled value to our members and driving the future of fitness in India and beyond.”  

  • Way2News appoints Mansi Shah as region head – west

    Way2News appoints Mansi Shah as region head – west

    Mumbai: Hyperlocal news platform – Way2News has appointed Mansi Shah as region head – west to enhance its leadership and strengthen its presence in western India. With over 18 years of experience in media and advertising sales, Mansi will lead the company’s monetisation strategies and establish key brand partnerships to drive growth in the region.

    Her appointment is timely as Way2News seeks to meet the rising demand for hyperlocal content across India. The platform aims to strengthen its relationships with advertisers and brands. Mansi’s background in media sales, especially in Hindi-speaking and regional language markets, makes her well-suited to develop innovative advertising solutions that engage local audiences and ensure Way2News remains a preferred platform for brands aiming to connect with consumers.

    Way2News founder & CEO Raju Vanapala said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mansi to our team. Her proven sales track record and deep understanding of the Hindi and Marathi markets will be invaluable in unlocking new growth opportunities across Western India. With her expertise, we are confident in our ability to strengthen our presence and enhance our offerings to advertisers in the region.”

    Shah said, “I am excited to join Way2News at a time when the demand for regional content is transforming the advertising landscape. Way2News offers a unique opportunity for brands to engage deeply with local audiences, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive the platform’s growth in the Western region. Together, we will create impactful advertising solutions that resonate with regional consumers and help brands build meaningful connections with their target audiences.”

    Before joining Way2News, Mansi served as director of ad sales at Viacom18 Media for over 12 years, where she was instrumental in driving revenue for major television properties, including Bigg Boss, The Kapil Sharma Show, and Khatron Ke Khiladi. Her experience includes managing ad sales across various media platforms, from Hindi GECs to regional channels like Colors Marathi, Colors Gujarati, and Nickelodeon. With her skills in developing advertising strategies, managing large accounts, and leading teams, Mansi will be crucial in supporting Way2News’ expansion efforts.

  • T.V. Narendran elected second Indian to chair WorldSteel after Sajjan Jindal’s 2017 milestone

    T.V. Narendran elected second Indian to chair WorldSteel after Sajjan Jindal’s 2017 milestone

    Mumbai: Following the tragic loss of Ratan Tata, his vision for the Tata Group continues to resonate with renewed vigour. The election of Tata Steel’s CEO & MD, T.V. Narendran, as the chairman of the World Steel Association (WorldSteel) for the 2024-25 term, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy he helped shape; making him only the second Indian to hold this prestigious role, signals India’s rising stature in the global steel industry-a domain long dominated by Western powers.

    Narendran, a veteran in the industry with nearly four decades of experience, will lead the association, which represents 64 member companies accounting for 85 per cent of the world’s steel production. His leadership comes at a crucial time, as the industry grapples with decarbonisation challenges and fluctuating market dynamics. His appointment reflects not just personal accomplishment but a broader recognition of India’s expanding footprint in the global market.

    Commenting on his new role, Narendran said, “I am honoured to be elected as the chairman of the World Steel Association. The global steel industry is at a transformative juncture, and I look forward to working with my peers to drive sustainable growth.”

    Narendran’s journey from Tata Steel’s grassroots to becoming its leader, and now at the helm of a global industry body, echoes the broader trajectory of Indian steelmaking, which has moved from being a regional player to an international powerhouse. With India ranking as the world’s second-largest steel producer, his leadership is set to further strengthen the nation’s clout in shaping international steel policies and sustainability standards.

    The election also highlights the strategic shift in the association’s leadership towards representing diverse markets. The previous and first Indian to hold the position was Sajjan Jindal in 2017, indicating a growing acceptance of Asian leadership in an industry historically dominated by European and American companies. The WorldSteel’s nod to Narendran is not just about diversity but recognition of India’s steel industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

    Narendran’s appointment comes as the industry braces for stricter climate policies and increasing demands for green steel. With his leadership, Tata Steel has been at the forefront of exploring hydrogen-based steelmaking and other green technologies. His influence is expected to further the agenda for a more eco-friendly approach to steel production globally.

    As Narendran takes the helm at WorldSteel, the weight of expectation looms large. Now, as he prepares to guide the global body through the shifting tides of economic uncertainty and the pressing need for greener solutions, his leadership promises to be a beacon for the industry, illuminating a path toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

  • SG Sports appoints Digvijay Singh Deo as VP of sports & media

    SG Sports appoints Digvijay Singh Deo as VP of sports & media

    Mumbai: SG Sports, media & entertainment (SGSE), part of the APL Apollo Group,  announced that it has appointed senior sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo as vice president of sports and media.

    Digvijay is an accomplished name in sports journalism and has over two decades of experience under his belt. An award-winning journalist and producer, Digvijay was previously with WION as the sports editor for seven years where he set up the sports team and designed the flagship sports show for the network. Prior to WION, he spent 11 years at CNN IBN where he joined as principal correspondent and was appointed sports editor in 2014. Previously, he has also worked with Doordarshan and Star News.

    SG Sports, media and entertainment, a subsidiary of APL Apollo Group, has interests in a variety of sports, including chess, cricket, table tennis and football. Most recently, the company announced the launch of its franchise, Delhi SG Pipers, for the upcoming Hockey India League which is making a high-profile comeback after 7 years.

    Delhi SG Pipers will have both men’s as well as women’s teams playing in the league and has already roped in a star-studded lineup of management and coaches, including legendary Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, former India men’s national team coach Graham Reid and the analytical coach of the national women’s team, Dave Smolenaars.

    In his new role at SGSE, Digvijay be utilising his experience to provide strategy and direction across the various interests of the company in sports. He will also be responsible for creating content-based IPs and partnerships and will report directly to Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SG Sports, Media & Entertainment.

    SGSE vice president of sports and media Digvijay Singh Deo said, “It has been a long journey of over 21 years covering sports and I feel this was a great opportunity and a natural progression for me to move onto the other side of the business. It is an interesting as well as challenging role because sport in India is growing and this was the right time to get involved. I am thankful to SGSE for this opportunity.”

    SGSE CEO Mahesh Bhupathi said, “I am excited to have Diggy on board. He has a lot of experience and a large network in the sports world and I believe he will add a lot of value to what we are trying to build at SGSE.  

  • Edit Kovács joins Accedo as VP Emea & Latam

    Edit Kovács joins Accedo as VP Emea & Latam

    Mumbai: Global video solutions provider, Accedo has appointed proven media industry leader, Edit Kovács, as vice president of Emea & Latam. Reporting to Martin Sebelius, CEO, of Accedo video solutions, she will lead teams in eight locations across Europe and LatAm, serving customers across the region with a combination of customer-centric services and software.

    Edit brings over 15 years of experience in developing and managing successful products and services across technology companies in the media, finance and energy sectors. Most recently, as CEO of InPlayer, she successfully led its acquisition by JW Player. During her time with the company, she led the development of a video streaming platform for broadcasters. Edit’s career also features impactful roles at Amazon Prime Video, Revolut and Shell, where she played a key role in enhancing the user experience for millions globally.

    Emea and Latam VP Edit Kovács commented, “I am excited to join Accedo, a company with such a rich history of innovation and leadership. By leveraging our innovative solutions, deep industry expertise, and the exceptional talent of our team, we are well-positioned to address both the evolving challenges of the industry and to expand more into offering OTT managed services. I look forward to contributing to Accedo’s continued success and growth.”

    Accedo video solutions CEO Martin Sebelius added: “Edit Kovács has many years of valuable media tech experience and will be able to lead our Emea & Latam business unit into a future characterised by OTT managed services. She brings a mix of solid people leadership, agility, and industry knowledge that will help Accedo meet complex customer challenges.”

  • Fixderma appoints Preetam Jena as chief marketing officer

    Fixderma appoints Preetam Jena as chief marketing officer

    Mumbai: Fixderma has announced the appointment of Preetam Jena as its chief marketing officer and the head of ecommerce. Preetam took charge in this year kicking off major marketing associations with IPL’s Delhi Capitals and SplitsvillaX5.

    With 15 years of rich experience across ecommerce, digital marketing, and martech, Preetam has held leadership roles in both India and Southeast Asia. His data-driven approach and deep understanding of the ecommerce landscape have consistently translated into strong brand growth and increased customer engagement.

    At Fixderma, Preetam leads the entire marketing function, reporting directly to co-founder and CEO Shaily Mehrotra.

    “We’re excited to finally make this official,” said Mehrotra. “Preetam’s creativity and marketing expertise have already made a mark. His ability to craft compelling brand narratives and drive impactful campaigns will help elevate Fixderma to new heights in the skincare industry.”

    On his appointment, Preetam added, “Joining Fixderma has been an exciting journey from day one. I look forward to working with the team to create strategies that not only grow the brand but also resonate deeply with our consumers. We’re just getting started.”

  • AnyMind Group names Siddharth Kelkar & Aditya Aima to lead India & MENA

    AnyMind Group names Siddharth Kelkar & Aditya Aima to lead India & MENA

    Mumbai: AnyMind Group has announced that MD of performance business – Siddharth Kelkar, and MD of growth markets – Aditya Aima, will take on additional roles as co-managing directors for India and MENA.

    They will take over from Rubeena Singh, who leaves on 15 October 2024. Kelkar and Aima, who joined AnyMind through the acquisition of POKKT in 2020 after serving seven and five years at POKKT, will now co-lead operations, driving business expansion, strategic partnerships, and growth in these regions.

    On the appointments, AnyMind Group CEO and co-founder Kosuke Sogo said, “Both Siddharth and Aditya have proven themselves to be strong leaders in their respective fields, and are always thirsty for new growth, directly reflecting a trait that runs through our management team. We are confident that with their leadership, we are able to help even more businesses become borderless in what is a vast region that possesses great potential.”

    Siddharth Kelkar has been a part of the media industry for over 20 years and has worked across digital, print and broadcasting mediums. Before joining AnyMind Group and POKKT, Kelkar held leadership roles in SVG Media, Ozone Media and Reliance Games (Zapak). He has also worked with The Times Group, Hindustan Times and CNBC TV18.

    On his appointment, Kelkar said, “I’m excited to take on this expanded responsibility at a time when both India and the MENA regions are at the cusp of transformative growth in digital, marketing, and e-commerce landscapes. Leveraging AnyMind’s cutting-edge solutions, we aim to drive innovation, empower businesses, and build deeper partnerships that will fuel long-term success for our clients across these key markets. I look forward to working with Aditya and the wider team at AnyMind to further scale our presence and impact.”

    Aditya Aima has over two decades of experience, including the ad tech, broadcast and publishing industries. Before joining AnyMind Group and POKKT, Aima held leadership positions in Culture Machine Media, Astro Malaysia, Bloomberg TV and Turner Broadcasting System.

    During his appointment, Aima said, “It’s an honor to co-lead the India and MENA regions, which present immense opportunities for growth. With the rapid digital transformation happening across both markets, we are uniquely positioned to help businesses unlock their full potential using AnyMind’s integrated platform for marketing, e-commerce, and digital transformation. Together with Siddharth, we are committed to driving strategic initiatives that will not only support our clients but also solidify AnyMind’s leadership in these dynamic markets.”

    AnyMind Group entered the Indian market in 2020 by acquiring mobile advertising platform POKKT, which operates across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. POKKT is integrated with international app publishers and offers video and rich media ad solutions. AnyMind Group’s technology and operations focus on two areas: brand commerce (e-commerce, marketing, logistics, production, and conversational commerce) and partner growth (solutions for creators and publishers).