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Category: People

  • Crayons Advertising appoints Rohit Thakkar as vice president – revenue and growth

    Crayons Advertising appoints Rohit Thakkar as vice president – revenue and growth

    Mumbai: Crayons Advertising Ltd has announced the return of Rohit Thakkar as VP of revenue and growth.

    In his new role, Rohit will focus on new client acquisitions and implementing strategies to boost business growth and revenue. With over 22 years of advertising experience under his belt, he is set to play a vital role in Crayons’ exciting plans for the future. He will be located in Mumbai office.

    Crayons Advertising Ltd., managing director Kunal Lalani shared his excitement about Rohit’s appointment: “We’re delighted to welcome Rohit back to the team! His extensive experience and impressive track record will be key to driving our strategic goals and enhancing our company.”

    Rohit, who previously worked at Crayons, brings a wealth of knowledge from his time at agencies like Mirum (formerly Social Wavelength), MX, and BMEG.

    “I’m excited to be back at Crayons—it feels like coming home,” said Thakkar. “I look forward to collaborating with this talented team again and pushing our growth initiatives forward.”

  • FCB Kinnect appoints Yogesh Mani Pradhan as group ECD (west)

    FCB Kinnect appoints Yogesh Mani Pradhan as group ECD (west)

    Mumbai: FCB Kinnect has appointed Yogesh Mani Pradhan as group executive creative director (west) to lead creative work at its Mumbai office. With over two decades of experience at Ogilvy, Yogesh has worked with brands including Castrol, Mondelez, Bajaj Chetak, Adidas, Amazon, ITC Vivel, and Mumbai Indians. His notable campaigns include ‘Truckasana’ for Castrol, ‘Sit Together’ for Cadbury Dairy Milk, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ for Vogue, and ‘I Will Wear Out Plastic’ for UNEP.

    Speaking about the appointment, FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “I am thrilled to welcome Yogi to the Kinnect family. His extensive experience in advertising and creative work with a wide range of brands will undoubtedly elevate our creative capabilities. Fondly known as the work-dad, he is exactly what our talent needs – someone to mentor them and build them through the rigour of advertising. Together, Yogi and Neville form a dynamic duo – their complementary partnership promises to deliver exceptional work for our clients.”

    FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CCO Neville Shah added, “Yogesh brings with him great ideas, invaluable experience, and sage-like calm. Here to uplift the quality and the craft of the Mumbai office, I am super excited to be reunited and working with him.”

    FCB Kinnect group executive creative director Yogesh Pradhan said, “I look forward to working with the Mumbai team to cultivate a vibrant creative culture and camaraderie. I’m thrilled to be part of the FCB Kinnect family as it gathers momentum towards becoming a powerhouse integrated creative agency.”

  • Noel Tata succeeds Ratan Tata as chairman of Tata Trusts

    Noel Tata succeeds Ratan Tata as chairman of Tata Trusts

    Mumbai: With heartfelt condolences, India bids farewell to Ratan Tata, a visionary leader who dedicated his life to building an organisation that has contributed nearly $103 billion to society. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of service and philanthropy lives on. In the wake of this monumental loss, Noel Tata has been appointed chairman of Tata Trusts, one of the country’s largest philanthropic entities, signalling a significant leadership shift during this poignant time. Succeeding the iconic Ratan Tata, Noel will now steer the Trusts’ charitable and social welfare activities, continuing the Tata legacy of corporate philanthropy. This appointment places Noel at the helm of a $165 billion group that plays a significant role in Tata Sons and its subsidiaries.

    The decision to appoint Noel as chairman came after much speculation following Ratan Tata’s long-anticipated departure from the role. Ratan Tata, the revered former chairman of Tata Sons, remains a pivotal figure in the group’s history. Noel’s promotion underscores the Trusts’ commitment to continuity while paving the way for a new chapter.

    Noel Tata, a name that resonates within the Tata family, has steadily climbed the corporate ranks. Known for his expertise in retail and international business, he successfully transformed Trent Ltd., Tata Group’s retail arm, into a Rs 1000 crore company. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in expanding Trent’s operations across India. He is also married to Aloo Mistry, the daughter of Pallonji Mistry, making him a key figure linking the Tata and Mistry families.

    Under his leadership, Tata Trusts is expected to continue its robust philanthropic efforts, which include contributions to education, healthcare, and rural development. Given his business acumen and family ties, Noel Tata’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to further the Trusts’ growth while safeguarding its values.

    Speaking about his appointment, Noel said, “I am honoured to take on this role and contribute to the legacy of the Tata family in fostering social change and corporate responsibility.”

    This shift comes at a time when Tata Trusts plays an even larger role in the corporate governance of Tata Sons, holding a significant shareholding. As chairman, Noel is expected to work closely with the board of Tata Sons, ensuring alignment between the Trusts’ objectives and the group’s corporate goals.

    The larger implications of Noel’s leadership will likely ripple across the Tata Group’s various businesses, from Tata Steel to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Industry experts are optimistic about the fresh yet familiar approach he will bring, given his deep-rooted understanding of the group’s dynamics and the legacy of philanthropic excellence embedded in Tata Trusts.

    With this transition, Tata Trusts has signalled its intention to balance tradition with modernity, ensuring the group’s ethical framework remains strong while adapting to the evolving needs of Indian society.

    PICTURE courtesy Trent Annual Report

  • Kapil Batra joins Lowe Lintas as president

    Kapil Batra joins Lowe Lintas as president

    Mumbai: Lowe Lintas, an advertising agency announced the appointment of Kapil Batra as president at its Mumbai office, effective immediately.

    Kapil’s hire completes the creative leadership team at Lowe Lintas Mumbai. The aim is to take the Mumbai office to new creative heights and continue Lowe Lintas’ legacy of delivering impactful and culturally relevant work. He will report to Prateek Bhardwaj, chief creative officer (CCO), to further strengthen the agency’s creative and strategic vision.

    Kapil Batra brings with him over two decades of experience in the advertising industry, with a track record of creating iconic campaigns. His prior experience includes leadership positions at Wieden + Kennedy India and McCann Erickson.

    His body of work includes the much-celebrated “PayTM Karo” campaign, the endearing “Share a Coke” series, the evergreen “Mirchi Sunne Wale Always Khush (Rudaali)”, Yatra.com’s “Ehsaan mat lo, discount lo”, Happydent’s “Dikha Bateesi kar baat achhi si” campaign and the widely acclaimed “Dettol Soap Bubbles” activation. Kapil’s creative genius has been recognized at prestigious platforms including Cannes, D&AD, Clio, One Show, Spikes Asia, and Effies, among others.

    Lowe Lintas chief creative officer Prateek Bhardwaj commented, “To me, Kapil embodies what Lowe Lintas has stood for over the decades – total commitment to creative excellence and a collaborative, team-first approach. His work on PayTM, Perfetti and Coca-Cola is legendary and I have no doubt that his creativity will propel and inspire the team to new creative heights. Along with Sarvesh Raikar and Madhu Noorani in Mumbai, Vasudha Misra in Delhi, and Arpan Bhattacharyya and Litna Das in Bangalore, our senior creative leadership team is complete and ready for the future.”

    Kapil’s appointment comes at a time when Lowe Lintas is focused on further strengthening its creative offerings and expanding its footprint in the Indian advertising landscape. The agency is focused on crafting brands of the future, with profound ideas on every single culture, stories that will change the way brands can connect, the way they can lead, and the impact they can have on the world.

    Kapil Batra, on his new role as president of Lowe Lintas, stated, “Joining Lowe Lintas as President of the Mumbai office is an incredible opportunity to be part of an agency that consistently pushes the boundaries of creativity. Lowe Lintas has a rich legacy of creating work that is not just memorable but also meaningful. I am excited to contribute to this legacy and work alongside Prateek Bhardwaj and the immensely talented team here to create campaigns that resonate with audiences and make a real difference for our clients.”

  • Ashirvad by Aliaxis appoints Partha Basu as managing director

    Ashirvad by Aliaxis appoints Partha Basu as managing director

    Mumbai: Ashirvad by Aliaxis, a leader in pipes and fittings, has appointed Partha Basu as managing director. The announcement was made by Aliaxis’ headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Basu, who previously held the role of acting divisional CEO for India, will now lead the Bengaluru-headquartered company’s 5,000-strong workforce. His extensive experience in leadership, finance, supply chain, and business transformation has positioned him to steer the company into one of the fastest-growing markets for infrastructure and construction solutions.

    Aliaxis managing director Thierry Vanlancker said, “Partha Basu has played an instrumental role since joining Aliaxis in 2023. His leadership has been key in strengthening the India division, enhancing governance, and driving profitable growth.”

    Basu, referring to his new role, stated, “I am excited to lead Ashirvad Pipes, a strong brand with values that resonate deeply with me. I look forward to building a performance-driven culture while upholding the company’s inclusive values.”

    With over 30 years of experience, Basu’s career spans leadership roles at AkzoNobel, Coca-Cola, and KPMG. His expertise in business transformation has been demonstrated through successful initiatives at companies like Whirlpool and SpiceJet. Basu is a CMA, DBF, and certified professional coach with an executive certificate in general management from IIM Calcutta.

    Beyond his corporate work, Basu is a published author and thought leader in career development. His 2022 book Outskill, published by HarperCollins, offers insights into navigating corporate life post-pandemic. He is also a sought-after speaker and mentor on topics of leadership, business strategy, business transformation, and professional growth.

  • DDB Mudra onboards Priya Shivakumar as creative head

    DDB Mudra onboards Priya Shivakumar as creative head

    Mumbai: DDB Mudra has appointed Priya Shivakumar as its new creative head for the South region. She will collaborate closely with DDB Mudra Group CCO Rahul Mathew and share leadership with DDB Mudra president – Growth and Strategy, Menaka Menon.

    Joining DDB Mudra from Wunderman Thompson (JWT), where she rose quickly up the ranks from ECD of Chennai to chief creative officer (South), Priya brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Through her career of over two decades, Priya’s work and creative leadership have won numerous Cannes Lions, D&AD Pencils, One Show Pencils and Spikes Asia, one of the more recent wins being for the “Hidden Truth” , a powerful piece on Domestic Violence.

    Speaking on her new role, “I’m thrilled to join DDB Mudra and contribute to the legacy of creating culturally resonant brands,” Priya said. “These are exciting times where you can take storytelling to new and unexpected places…through technology, craft or experience…”, She added: “I’m looking forward to leveraging the power of emotions in my work, driving choices, creating conversations, shaping markets, and rewriting brand stories.”

    Meanwhile, Rahul Mathew commented, “We have been evolving our offering in the South to go beyond national campaigns and offer specialised expertise for the five south markets. And we believe what will make our solutions even more effective is our creativity. Priya will play a critical role in us achieving this vision for the South office. She has the unique ability to capture local and cultural nuances and execute them to international standards. I’m excited to have her partner with us on our journey.”

  • Business stalwart Ratan Tata passes away at 86

    Business stalwart Ratan Tata passes away at 86

    Mumbai: 86-year-old stalwart industrialist and Tata Sons’ chairman emeritus Ratan Tata has passed away on Wednesday in a Mumbai hospital. He had been in critical condition, receiving intensive care for several days. While undergoing routine medical investigations earlier in the week due to age-related concerns, reports of his hospital admission sparked widespread concern.

    Tata himself took to social media on Monday, reassuring the public that there was “no cause for concern,” and that his evaluations were routine. He urged the media to avoid spreading misinformation, stating, “I remain in good spirits.” However, his condition worsened in the following days.

    In an official statement, Tata Sons’ chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed the profound sense of loss felt by the Tata Group. “We bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation,” he stated.

    Chandrasekaran reflected on Tata’s significant role in the organisation, emphasizing that he was more than just a chairperson. “To me, he was a mentor, guide, and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass,” he said.

    Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and societal development has left a lasting impact on millions of lives. His initiatives in education and healthcare have created a deep-rooted legacy that will benefit generations to come. Chandrasekaran highlighted Tata’s genuine humility in every interaction, showcasing the personal touch that defined his leadership.

    On behalf of the entire Tata family, N Chandrasekaran extended condolences to Tata’s loved ones, emphasising that his legacy will continue to inspire the group as they strive to uphold the principles he passionately championed. Ratan Tata’s remarkable journey and contributions will forever be remembered as a testament to his vision and commitment to societal betterment.

    Tributes have been pouring in from industry leaders, politicians, prime ministers, film stars , sportsmen and what have you on Ratan Tata’s passing. Here’s a collection of some of them:

    My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.  Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better. One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan Tata Ji was his passion towards dreaming big and giving back. He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few. – Prime minister Narendra Modi

    Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary industrialist and true nationalist, Shri Ratan Tata Ji. He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation. Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me. His commitment to the welfare of our country and its people led to the blooming of millions of dreams. Time cannot take away Ratan Tata Ji from his beloved nation. He will live on in our hearts. My condolences to Tata Group and his countless admirers. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti – Amit Shah

    Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community. – Rahul Gandhi

    It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian. At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energised and enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied. Ratan Tata was a visionary industrialist and a philanthropist, who always strove for society’s greater good. With the demise of Mr Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat. He institutionalised the House of Tata and made it an international enterprise growing the Tata group over 70 times since the time he took over as Chairman in 1991. On behalf of Reliance, Nita and the Ambani family, I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved members of the Tata family and the entire Tata Group. Ratan, you will always remain in my heart. Om Shanti.- Mukesh Ambani

    I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable. With him gone, all we can do is to commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community. Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die… Om Shanti – Anand Mahindra

    “The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P “- Harsh Goenka

    My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply cared about making India better. Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji – Sunder Pichai

    Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of visionary industrialist, philanthropist #RatanTata. He was a shining beacon of India’s entrepreneurial spirit. He has left an indelible legacy in the business landscape across the world which will inspire future generations. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends and followers in the hour of grief. #OmShanti – Navin Patnaik

    The Icon of leadership, philanthropy, and ethics!! His legacy will continue to inspire generations. India has lost a giant today. #RIPRatanTata #RatanTata — Rana Dugabatti  

    Deeply saddened by the passing away of Thiru. #RatanTata, a true titan of Indian industry and a beacon of humility and compassion. His visionary leadership not only shaped the Tata Group but also set a global benchmark for ethical business practices. His relentless dedication to nation-building, innovation, and philanthropy has left an indelible mark on millions of lives. India has lost a giant, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire Tata Group in this profound moment of loss.- MK Stalin

    India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti – Gautam Adani

    We have lost a true Ratan of Bharat, Shri Ratan Tata ji. His life will be an inspiration for us all and he will continue to live in our hearts. Om Shanti – Virendra Sehwag

    They say you have gone .. It’s too hard to bear your loss..too hard.. Farewell my friend..#RatanTata – Simi Garewal 

    Deeply saddened to know that Shri #RatanTata ji is no more. Condolences to the family and loved ones. Rest In Glory Sir – Riteish Deshmukh

    “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.” – #RatanTata A visionary leader, and most respected and revered human of our times in India. May your legacy and teachings flourish and grow from strength to strength. RIP Sir – Aakash Chopra

    India’s most valuable man, not necessarily for his vast wealth, but for his values.. largest being Integrity !! Never a show off but always the star The life #RatanTata ji led will always be an inspiration – Randeep Hooda

     

  • Prasun Kumar elevated to chief marketing officer at Magicbricks

    Prasun Kumar elevated to chief marketing officer at Magicbricks

    Mumbai: Prasun Kumar, who was previously business head – New Revenue Verticals & Head – Operations, Digital Marketing & Quality Assurance at Magicbricks has been promoted to chief of marketing at the leading real estate portal.

    In this new capacity, Prasun will oversee the company’s entire marketing, research, and editorial functions. Additionally, he will also be Business Head for a few strategic revenue verticals.

    Before rejoining Magicbricks in 2023, Prasun held the position of chief marketing officer at Justdial. His professional journey, spanning over two decades, includes leadership roles at renowned organisations such as Reliance Communications, Sony Mobile Communications, MTS, Levi Strauss & Co., Madison Communications, and McCann Worldgroup.

  • GrowthJockey appoints former google exec Mrinal Kumar as VP of technology

    GrowthJockey appoints former google exec Mrinal Kumar as VP of technology

    Mumbai: GrowthJockey, India’s first full-stack venture architect company, appoints Mrinal Kumar as its vice president of Technology, bringing over 14 years of experience in leading global tech innovations. A former Google and Misys executive, Kumar’s expertise in scalable AI-driven solutions will bolster GrowthJockey’s mission to empower large enterprises with cutting-edge digital transformations and venture incubation.

    Kumar’s career includes nearly a decade at Google, where he led strategic tech projects, and leadership roles at Misys and Johnson Controls, managing global engineering teams and spearheading agile development strategies. At GrowthJockey, Mrinal will guide the company’s technology strategy, focusing on developing AI-powered platforms that help businesses capitalise on disruptive market trends.

    “Mrinal’s extensive experience in leading complex global projects and his focus on AI and scalable solutions will enable GrowthJockey to deliver world-class digital transformations and incubate high-value corporate ventures,” said GrowthJockey’s CTO, Aresh Mishra. “We are excited to have him lead the next chapter of our growth as we continue to empower businesses through innovative technology and venture incubation.”

    Expressing excitement about his new role, Kumar said, “I am excited to be part of GrowthJockey at such a crucial time in the industry. The pace of technological innovation is creating new opportunities, and GrowthJockey is uniquely positioned to lead this charge. I look forward to working with the team to drive our vision of creating bold and innovative ventures that impact businesses across industries.”

    GrowthJockey’s CEO, Ashutosh Kumar added, “We are excited to have Mrinal join our leadership team. His wealth of experience and leadership in technology will be invaluable as we continue to scale and innovate in the venture architecture space. Mrinal’s ability to blend strategic vision with execution will undoubtedly help us accelerate the pace at which we deliver transformative solutions for our clients.”

  • One Health Assist appoints Divya Dixit as chief growth officer

    One Health Assist appoints Divya Dixit as chief growth officer

    Mumbai: One Health Assist has announced the appointment of business strategy veteran, Divya Dixit, as chief growth officer. In this role, Divya will be responsible for spearheading the organisation’s innovative growth initiatives, driving revenue generation through strategic partnerships and multi-channel marketing efforts, both in domestic and international markets.

    With over 25+ years of diverse experience in growth marketing, digital transformation, and business expansion, Divya has previously worked with leading organizations such as Alt Balaji, ZEE5, Saregama, Tata Docomo, Star TV, UTV, Sony Entertainment, and Barista Coffee. Her ability to scale businesses and transform brands has consistently delivered impressive results across sectors, establishing her as a leader in growth-driven roles. At Alt Balaji, under her four year leadership tenure, it witnessed a stupendous business growth, growing from a seven crore topline to a 110 Crore.

    As the CGO, Divya’s mandate focuses on driving business to consumer revenue for the brand and strategic business collaborations as well as focus on wellness and ecommerce divisions. Her role will encompass creating and executing growth-driven strategies that expand the company’s footprint in India as well as International Markets, ensuring the brand’s continued upward trajectory.

    One Health Assist founder Davinder Bhasin expressed his enthusiasm about her appointment, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Divya onboard as our Chief Growth Officer. Her exceptional portfolio in scaling companies through growth as well as strategic initiatives speaks for itself and she will play a crucial role in our vision to be the market leader as we enter this dynamic phase in the healthcare sector.”

    One Health Assist co-founder Karan Arora added, “Divya’s proven track record of driving growth across diverse industries speaks volumes. As a forward-thinking healthcare ecosystem, One Health Assist will rapidly establish its market presence and Divya’s fresh perspective will be key to revolutionizing healthcare ecosystem”

    Speaking on her new role, Dixit said, “I’m excited to join One Health Assist at such an inflection point for the healthcare sector. Leveraging my experience across industries and startups, I look forward to driving top line initiatives that will further One Health Assist’s mission to revolutionize healthcare through digital transformation as well as driving incredible consumer experience. The brand is uniquely positioned to be an industry leader, and I’m eager to be a part of this growth curve.”