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Category: People

  • Zomato co-founder & CPO Akriti Chopra resigns after 13 years

    Zomato co-founder & CPO Akriti Chopra resigns after 13 years

    Mumbai: Akriti Chopra has resigned from her position as co-founder and chief people officer of Zomato, effective 27 September 2024, after a 13-year tenure. She was instrumental in establishing and scaling the company’s legal and finance teams during her previous role as CFO. Before joining Zomato, Chopra spent three years at PwC in the tax and regulatory practice.

    Chopra’s resignation follows a series of departures from Zomato’s leadership; Gunjan Patidar, the former chief technology officer, left in January 2023, and co-founder Mohit Gupta resigned in November 2022 after being promoted to co-founder in 2020 from CEO of the food delivery business. Zomato stated that Chopra is stepping down “to pursue other interests”.

    In her exit email, which was uploaded on the stock exchange, Chopra wrote, “Deepi, as discussed, I am formally submitting my resignation effective today, September 27, 2024. It’s been an incredibly enriching journey over the past 13 years. Thank you for everything. I’m always a call away. Wishing you and Eternal the very best.”

    In a series of departures, Chopra becomes the fifth co-founder to leave the company in about two years, following Patidar, Pankaj Chaddhah, Gaurav Gupta, and Mohit Gupta. Chaddhah exited in 2018, while Gaurav Gupta left in 2021.

  • Rakuten India hires Jay Swamidass & Subhash Chandra to lead SixthSense

    Rakuten India hires Jay Swamidass & Subhash Chandra to lead SixthSense

    Mumbai: Rakuten India has announced the appointment of two senior executives: Jay Swamidass as VP and global head of sales and Subhash Chandra as head of global partnerships & alliances. These leadership appointments represent a significant step in Rakuten India’s ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint and enhance its enterprise software offerings.

    In recent years, Rakuten SixthSense has witnessed impressive growth, broadening its reach and becoming a key player in the global technology space. This success has been fueled by the platform’s dedication to innovation, its capacity to tackle complex enterprise challenges, and its focus on cultivating strong strategic partnerships. With the appointment of Jay Swamidass and Subhash Chandra to the leadership team, Rakuten SixthSense is poised to accelerate its growth and drive further advancements in the industry.

    Jay Swamidass brings over two decades of experience in enterprise software sales, having held key positions and leadership roles at Hewlett Packard, Commvault Systems, Veeam Software, and most recently, Apica. At Rakuten India, Jay will lead the sales strategy for Rakuten SixthSense, focusing on delivering innovative solutions to enterprise customers. His expertise in analytics, cloud, AI, and enterprise infrastructure will support the company’s goal of further expanding its footprint in this critical market.

    “I am thrilled to join Rakuten India at such an exciting time,” said Rakuten SixthSense VP and global head of sales Jay Swamidass. “The company’s focus on cutting-edge observability solutions and its commitment to solving complex enterprise challenges align perfectly with my passion for leveraging technology to drive operational excellence and business resilience. I’m excited to work alongside this talented team to strengthen our market presence and deliver real value to our clients through unparalleled visibility and performance insights.”

    Subhash Chandra, appointed as Rakuten SixthSense’s head of global partnerships & alliances brings 23 years of experience in building strategic partnerships across the technology sector, with prior leadership roles at AWS, Google Cloud, SAP, and IBM. Subhash will focus on expanding Rakuten India’s global partner network to enhance its technological capabilities and market reach, which will further fuel the company’s rapid growth.

    “Rakuten India’s vision of innovation through collaboration is truly inspiring,” said Chandra. “I am eager to lead the global partnerships efforts and work closely with our partners to create synergies that empower our clients and elevate Rakuten India’s solutions on a global scale.”

    Commenting on the appointments, Rakuten India CEO Sunil Gopinath said, “We are delighted to welcome Jay and Subhash to the Rakuten India leadership team. Their expertise and leadership will be pivotal as we continue to innovate and expand our global presence in enterprise software and observability. With their strategic insights and operational excellence, I am confident we will achieve new milestones and continue our significant growth trajectory for our Rakuten SixthSense business.”

  • Tech veteran Maureen Chong takes charge of Zendesk India

    Tech veteran Maureen Chong takes charge of Zendesk India

    Mumbai: Zendesk has announced that it has expanded regional vice president Maureen Chong’s remit to include leadership of its business in South Asia, and primarily key market India. Chong currently leads the company’s go-to-market teams across markets in Asia including South East and North Asia. The new appointment takes effect immediately.

    A veteran of the technology industry with over 20 years of experience, Maureen has been with Zendesk for three years since September 2021. Her industry experience includes sales leadership roles at Akamai, SAP and Oracle. Maureen has extensive experience working across markets in Asia, building and leading high-performing teams consistently growing market reach, achieving operational goals and maximising revenue.

    Speaking on her new role, Chong said, “India is a vital market to our growth regionally – and globally. We have been growing with some of India’s major local brands across sectors to build on the local legacy of customer service through digital acceleration. I’m looking forward to working with Indian companies to support their growth plans, building on differentiating through exceptional customer experiences.”

    Zendesk has been in India since 2016 and works with businesses across industries including finance, e-commerce, healthcare, retail and edutech. With the most complete AI solution on the CX market, the company sees massive potential for its solutions in India, a market that has typically shown openness to leading edge technology solutions. 89 per cent of industry leaders Zendesk spoke to in India believe CX will undergo a period of unprecedented change over the next three years, transforming the industry. Industry leaders in India lead the region in their optimism for the widespread use of AI, with 83 per cent believing all channels will be powered by AI in just three years signaling the market potential.

    “Indian business leaders prove to be among the most progressive in their openness to new technologies and in their willingness to digitally transform their operations to harness new opportunities. I look forward to working with them to unlock those new opportunities. As one of the fastest growing markets in the world, Indian companies can make their mark globally by leading the way in how they engage customers and employees in partnership with Zendesk,” continued Chong.

    Chong takes over from Vasudeva Rao Munnaluri who left Zendesk to pursue new opportunities.

  • Rajdeepak Das & Sompat Trisadikun join One Club International board

    Rajdeepak Das & Sompat Trisadikun join One Club International board

    Mumbai: The One Club for Creativity has appointed Publicis Groupe South Asia CCO and Leo Burnett South Asia chairman, Rajdeepak Das, to a three-year term on its International board of directors. Grey Thailand CCO, Sompat Trisadikun, also joins the board this month.

    Board members are responsible for providing input and feedback on the club’s ongoing global programming, supporting The One Show and ADC Annual Awards in their region, elevating the annual global creative rankings, connecting the club with advertising and design universities and schools, and recommending outstanding candidates to serve as awards judges.

    “The One Club’s International Board of Directors is a platform with immense responsibility where great minds come together to chart the future narrative for the industry,” said Das. “As part of the board, I am looking forward to the opportunity to nurture the next generation of talent to make creativity more impactful.”

    Das firmly believes that the true potential of creativity and technology is finding human-centric solutions for the biggest brands. He has cultivated a distinctive reputation over the years for driving impactful innovations for some of the country’s iconic brands.

    Das’ unprecedented work on brands like P&G Whisper (Missing Chapter) has facilitated change in the age-old Indian education system and enabled the world’s largest school program for girls. His work on PepsiCo Lays (Smart Farms) has revolutionized farming with the help of AI to increase food security for the country.

    Das believes creativity is the currency for developing nations and his work has demonstrated that. He and his team are currently working with some of the country’s largest brands to deliver high-impact solutions for gender ergonomics for farming, water sustainability, girl child education, healthcare, female hygiene and more.

    His humankind approach to creativity has led Leo Burnett India to win multiple Grand Prix’s and awards at prestigious shows including The One Show, Cannes Lions, D&AD and Spikes Asia.

  • Against All Odds: Dr. Yogesh Lakhani’s Purpose-Driven Journey from Adversity to Achievement

    Against All Odds: Dr. Yogesh Lakhani’s Purpose-Driven Journey from Adversity to Achievement

    Born on September 25, 1963, Dr. Yogesh Lakhani, CMD of Bright Outdoor Media, is celebrating his 62nd birthday. His life journey is nothing short of inspiring—rising from tough beginnings to build a successful business empire. The name “Yogesh” means “Lord of Yoga,” and fittingly, he has mastered the art of transforming challenges into opportunities.

    Born into a financially struggling family, where even hospital bills were hard to pay, Dr. Lakhani’s childhood was spent in a small, cramped space. Despite these hardships, he showed remarkable resilience. From a young age, he worked to help support his family, selling newspapers and firecrackers while nurturing his love for movies.

    The Start of a Billboard Empire:

    After completing his S.S.C., Dr. Yogesh Lakhani ventured into the world of advertising by selling promotional films in theaters. This marked his entry into the advertising industry, and his first breakthrough came when he began setting up billboards at train stations. Although financial struggles forced him to leave studies, Dr. Lakhani’s determination saw him through. His hard work and dedication paid off, turning a modest start into a thriving business. His first billboard at Malad railway station was a momentous occasion. With persistence and vision, he expanded to other stations, gaining experience and clients along the way. His big break came when Manikchand signed him for the Filmfare Awards, and from there, his business took off. He built a reputation for honesty, hard work, and exceptional client service, which earned him numerous projects from the film industry, corporate clients, and beyond.

    Bright Outdoor: A Vision with a Mission

    Under Dr. Lakhani’s visionary leadership, Bright Outdoor Media became the first outdoor advertising company listed on the BSE in March 2023. His focus goes beyond profits, aiming to create jobs and drive positive change. Inspired by the cutting-edge digital LEDs of Times Square, New York, Burj Khalifa at UAE and London, Dr. Lakhani dreams of bringing the same international standards to India. With innovations like solar-powered billboards and LED signboards, he has modernized outdoor advertising. Today, Bright manages over 30 of Mumbai’s 70 prime digital LED billboards, with plans for further expansion, creating numerous job opportunities.

    Service to Society

    Social service runs deep in Dr. Lakhani’s veins. From feeding the poor weekly to providing books for underprivileged students, he is committed to giving back. He has also opened a free dialysis center for the needy and supports blood donation drives. This year, instead of the annual Bright Award Night, he has chosen to focus on supporting the blind, specially-abled, orphanages, and old-age homes.

    Going Green:

    After listing on the stock market, Dr. Lakhani’s company has made a new beginning by installing more than 30 digital LED hoardings in Mumbai. Their hoardings have also set the wheels in motion to go solar-powered, improving the environment by partnering with Zest Outdoor, which has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for its work in solar power.

    Family First:

    Dr. Lakhani is equally devoted to his family. Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time for his wife, Jagruti, and son, Anugrah. Whether it’s taking them on domestic or international trips or spending quality time on weekends, family comes first for him.

    Spiritual Commitment:

    Born a Jain, Dr. Lakhani is deeply involved in religious activities and charitable work at temples and spiritual centers. He is a regular supporter of spiritual leaders like Shri Namramuni Maharaj, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, and has been invited as a guest of honor at the Brahmakumari Institute. His respect and reverence extend beyond his own faith, as he honors and supports all religions, promoting unity and harmony among diverse spiritual paths.

    Honors and Respect:

    Dr. Yogesh Lakhani has received not one, but two honorary doctorate degrees: one from Sorbonne University of France for his contributions to business management, and another from Royal American University of the USA for his commitment to social work. With over 10,000 awards and accolades, his achievements are widely recognized. Despite not holding an MBA, his sharp business acumen is taught as case studies in several MBA institutes, showcasing his expertise in time management and leadership.

    Bright Outdoor Media: The Industry Leader

    Whether in the world of movies, real estate, or corporate advertising, Bright Outdoor Media is the top choice. Bright’s billboards have launched the careers of many Bollywood stars, and leading companies like Larsen & Toubro, Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, and many more choose Bright for their advertising needs. The company has worked with over one lakh clients, including countless movies, TV channels, serials, OTT platforms, and music albums, and continues to set new benchmarks in outdoor media. With numerous awards and accolades, Dr. Yogesh Lakhani’s journey from humble beginnings to industry leader is a testament to his unwavering determination, vision, and dedication. Many people approach him for selfies at public functions. His story is one of resilience, service, and success—a true inspiration to all.

  • Gallant Play appoints Anshuman as president

    Gallant Play appoints Anshuman as president

    Mumbai: Gallant Play has announced the appointment of Anshuman as president. This strategic decision is aligned with Gallant Play’s ongoing dedication to promoting a world-class sporting culture throughout India. With Anshuman’s appointment, the organisation aims to further enhance its integrated playing and coaching solutions, offering premier facilities and expertise for kids and urban athletes across all age groups.

    Anshuman brings more than two decades of extensive experience in business growth and consumer marketing in sectors of K12 education, university education and brand consulting. In his new role, Anshuman will play a key role in advancing brand’s vision. He will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, ensuring that the company’s state-of-the-art turf and coaching solutions continue to lead the industry.

    As president, he’ll be handling a variety of critical operations which will offer strategic leadership to drive the expansion of Gallant Play’s offerings, ensuring the provision of high-quality sporting facilities and services. Additionally, he will manage the daily operations of the arenas, uphold high standards of facility management, and introduce innovative coaching practices. Market expansion will also be a significant focus, with Anshuman leading the development and execution of impactful go-to-market campaigns, forging essential partnerships, and driving business growth. His expertise in client relations will be vital in strengthening connections with sports organisations, schools, and community groups.

    Gallant Sports & Infrastructure CEO and founder Nasir Ali said, “We are excited to welcome Anshuman to Gallant Play as our new President. His extensive experience and proven track record in various sectors will be instrumental in driving our vision forward. Anshuman’s strategic leadership will enhance our ability to offer top-notch sporting facilities and innovative coaching solutions across India. We are confident that his appointment will significantly contribute to our goal of fostering a world-class sporting culture and supporting India’s journey towards becoming a leading force in global sports.”

    Gallant envisions partnering with schools nationwide to integrate sports into education, enhancing academic performance, well-being, and developing future leaders. Recognizing sports as a critical advantage for university admissions, Gallant aims to be in every school that values its transformative role.

    Anshuman’s career includes launching Amerigo Education in India as country director, leading strategy, product development, and client acquisition. At GEMS Education, he launched 16 schools across 10 cities, significantly boosting enrolment. He has worked with brands like Adidas, Microsoft, GSK, and Domino’s at agencies including Wunderman, Ogilvy, and Contract Advertising. Anshuman now aligns with Gallant Play’s mission to foster a top-tier sports culture and support India’s Olympic ambitions.

  • Nidhi Bhasin appointed as chief executive officer for Digital Green Trust

    Nidhi Bhasin appointed as chief executive officer for Digital Green Trust

    Mumbai – Bringing over 25 years of transformational leadership experience in social development and technology for good, Nidhi Bhasin is now leading Digital Green Trust in its mission to empower millions of Indian farmers.

    For 17 years, Digital Green Trust (DGT) has been dedicated to empowering small and marginal farmers in India, reaching over 4.7 million farmers. Leveraging digital technology to promote sustainable agriculture, DGT helps these farmers navigate significant transformations in the agriculture sector, increasing their resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges. The organization is pleased to announce the appointment of Nidhi Bhasin as its new chief executive officer for India, based in New Delhi.

    With over 25 years of experience in social development, program management, and nonprofit leadership, Bhasin brings a wealth of expertise to Digital Green Trust. Prior to joining Digital Green Trust, she served as CEO of Nasscom Foundation, where she transformed the organization and took it to the next level by championing technology for social good and worked to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities across India. Before that, she spent two decades at Concern India Foundation, leading initiatives in education, health, and community development, particularly for women.

    In her new role, Bhasin will lead a team of over 80 employees at Digital Green Trust, focused on training Indian farmers in sustainable agricultural practices through innovative tools like Farmer.Chat, an AI-powered assistant. She sees great potential in leveraging technology to improve the lives of tens of millions of farmers in the years to come.

    “I am excited to continue building on the solid foundational work done by Digital Green Trust, as we work to scale our impact, in numbers and depth. Digital Green Trust is in a unique position to enable the agriculture ecosystem by bringing Government, philanthropies and corporates together at the intersection of technology, gender, climate and sustainability,” said Bhasin. “I look forward to driving thought leadership initiatives that can transform and create real impact on livelihoods in rural communities”, says Bhasin.

    Digital Green Trust Board chairperson Tejash Shah noted, “In Nidhi Bhasin, we see a leader whose dedication to social good, paired with her deep expertise in technology, perfectly aligns with our mission. Her insights and energy will be instrumental in advancing Digital Green Trust’s efforts to revolutionize agricultural practices for the betterment of farmers and their communities. I look forward to seeing her vision unfold.”
     

  • Eastman Auto and Power appoints Sudham Ravinutala as CMO

    Eastman Auto and Power appoints Sudham Ravinutala as CMO

    Mumbai: Eastman Auto and Power Ltd has announced the appointment of Sudham Ravinutala as chief marketing officer. With a proven track record of driving growth and brand recognition in the energy sector, Sudham will spearhead the company’s marketing and product strategy as it embarks on a new chapter of innovation and expansion to build the brand Eastman.  

    In his new role, Sudham shall focus on enhancing Eastman’s visibility and brand presence by developing effective customer engagement strategies. His extensive experience in marketing planning, strategy, go-to-market, and, new product development shall be instrumental in positioning Eastman as a leader in last-mile e-mobility solutions, continued energy solutions, and solar rooftop solutions.

    Sudham brings close to twenty-five years of diverse experience, having worked with renowned brands such as Nokia, Lenovo, TVS Electronics, Micromax, and most recently, Luminous, where he served as assistant VP of marketing and strategy. He also held the position of national marketing head at India’s largest FM Radio Network, 92.7 BIG FM, and was the head of go-to-market & activation at MixRadio India. His multifaceted career spans IT, telecom, media, and mobile VAS, showcasing a rich blend of skills across the marketing spectrum.

    In addition to his marketing expertise, Sudham is a published novelist. His first book, Eighteen: The End of  Innocence, reached the Top 150 Romance Novels on Amazon India, while his second novel, Twenty  Somethings: For Love or Ambition, made it to the Top50 Bestsellers in the Contemporary Romance category and the Top25 Hot New sellers lists. He also has published Musings – An Anthology of Poems written in English and in Hindi.

    Sudham’s appointment is timely for Eastman Auto and Power as the company seeks to expand its market presence and improve its product range. His leadership is expected to drive marketing initiatives that connect with customers and support the company’s growth vision. Eastman aims to use Sudham’s expertise to enhance its brand and solidify its reputation in the industry.

  • Nimoli Shah joins Tute Consult as director – luxury and Tribe biz head

    Nimoli Shah joins Tute Consult as director – luxury and Tribe biz head

    Mumbai: Tute Consult has appointed Nimoli Shah in a dual role – director – luxury and business head at Tribe – the influencer vertical. With her extensive experience in the luxury, fashion, and lifestyle sectors, Nimoli will play a pivotal role in strengthening Tute Consult’s luxury portfolio and expanding the agency’s influencer marketing division, ‘Tribe’.

    Nimoli brings over 15 years of expertise to Tute Consult, having worked with top brands across various industries. Her previous roles include business head at Schbang MMaximise with Masoom Minawala, and stints at Weber Shandwick, Ogilvy, and Wizspk PR. She will oversee Tute Consult’s luxury practice, providing strategic counsel and creative solutions to clients operating in this high-end segment.

    In her role as business head – Tribe, Nimoli will lead Tute Consult’s specialised division dedicated to influencer marketing which offers a unique approach to connecting brands with influential voices across the digital landscape. Shah’s expertise in collaborating with creator talent as well as past renowned luxury brands and her understanding of the evolving digital ecosystem is a welcome addition to Tute’s integrated approach to communications.

    “I am thrilled to join Tute Consult, an agency that has consistently delivered innovative and impactful work for its clients. While I look forward to collaborating on some remarkable campaigns, it is Komal Lath’s visionary leadership that truly inspires me. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her and the talented team at Tute as we collectively strive to achieve new milestones. I am eager to bring my experience and dedication to delivering outstanding results for our clients and to contributing to Tute Consult’s continued growth and success,” said Nimoli Shah.

    Tute Consult founder Komal Lath added “Having started as one of the earliest movers to recognise the power of the creator economy, we have come full circle after a decade to hive that off as a separate division with the burgeoning demand at Tute Consult as ‘Tribe’. On the other hand we have been working with some fabulous luxury and hospitality brands and we foresee substantial growth in that segment too. Both these areas need nuanced strategies and services leading us to start with dedicated verticals. Nimoli’s joining us, therefore, comes at a great time. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the luxury and influencer marketing landscape will be invaluable to our team. We are confident that her leadership will drive significant growth and innovation within these areas.”

  • MAIA estates appoints Sanaa Ruia as creative director

    MAIA estates appoints Sanaa Ruia as creative director

    Mumbai – MAIA Estates has announced the appointment of Sanaa Ruia as its new creative director. With a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades in luxury branding, design, and entrepreneurship, Sanaa brings a fresh, globally-inspired perspective to the company. Her appointment marks a pivotal moment in MAIA Estates’ journey, signalling the brand’s mission of bringing modern creativity, innovation, and excellence into real estate.

    Sanaa’s educational background includes a postgraduate degree in Luxury Marketing from the London School of Arts, where she honed her expertise in high-end branding and consumer experiences. Her early career in the fashion industry laid the foundation for her refined aesthetic sensibilities and ability to push creative boundaries. A decade ago, Sanaa founded Nomada, an accessories brand that rapidly gained international recognition, with a presence in over 35 luxury stores worldwide, including markets in Miami, Athens, Lisbon, Bodrum, and Muscat.

    Sanaa’s entrepreneurial journey with Nomada also extended into corporate solutions and strategic gifting, where she catered to prestigious clients such as Estée Lauder, Nykaa, Vistara Airlines, and the Manipal Group. Her commitment to ethical craftsmanship and social responsibility is best reflected in her efforts to employ 125 workers in Dharavi, emphasising fair wages and local craftsmanship.

    Sanaa’s connection with MAIA Estates runs deep. Her collaboration with the brand began through Nomada, where she worked on key design projects that have shaped her understanding of MAIA’s ethos and brand identity. This familiarity, coupled with her multifaceted expertise, will enable her to spearhead creative initiatives that span marketing strategy, project branding, interior design, and landscaping.

    “I have always believed that creativity is not just a skill set but a mindset,” said Sanaa Ruia, speaking about her new role. “Being a design-centric person means having a keen eye for aesthetics, functionality, and innovation in everything I do. This approach to creativity is inherently versatile, allowing me to adapt and shape it to different contexts, including real estate. I look forward to translating this ethos into my work at MAIA Estates. Real estate is an incredibly dynamic industry, and it’s exhilarating to be at the intersection of design and development. I am excited to work closely with the team at MAIA to bring a fresh perspective to our projects and create spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.”

    MAIA Estates founder & CEO Mayank Ruia commented on Sanaa’s appointment: “Sanaa’s unique design sensibilities, coupled with her strong business acumen, make her an invaluable addition to the MAIA team. Her ability to blend aesthetics with strategic thinking is exactly what we need to further distinguish ourselves. With her at the creative helm, we are poised to push the boundaries of high-quality living while staying true to our core values of innovation and excellence.”