ITV

Category: People

  • Kia India announces new CSO and CBO

    Kia India announces new CSO and CBO

    MUMBAI: Kia India, the premium automobile manufacturer, has announced a major leadership reshuffle with the appointment of Sunhack Park as chief sales officer (CSO) and Joonsu Cho as chief business officer.

    In his new role, Park will spearhead Kia India’s sales strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and market expansion. With over 28 years of global automotive experience, he has previously held senior positions at Kia headquarters in South Korea, as well as in the Middle East & Africa and India.

    As chief business officer, Cho will lead business strategy, production planning, export logistics, and strategic partnerships, driving operational excellence across divisions. Cho brings with him more than 32 years of leadership experience across Australia, the UK, and Europe.

    Expressing his excitement, Park said in a statement, “I am privileged to take on the role of chief sales officer. This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand in a dynamic market. My focus will be on driving sales growth, optimising efficiency, and strengthening our dealer network.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Cho added, “I am honoured to assume the role of chief business officer. Kia India has made remarkable progress, and my goal is to develop strategies that sustain growth and operational excellence.”

    With these leadership changes, Kia India reaffirms its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth in the Indian automotive market.

  • Veteran journalist, Padma Bhushan awardee TJS George passes away

    Veteran journalist, Padma Bhushan awardee TJS George passes away

    MUMBAI: TJS George, veteran journalist, author and columnist known for his incisive writing and uncompromising editorial independence, passed away on Friday (October 3, 2025) due to age-related complications. He was 97.

    A Padma Bhushan awardee, George was among the most respected figures in Indian English journalism, known for his sharp political analysis and fearless commentary.

    Born on May 7, 1928, in Kerala, George was the fourth child of Thayil Thomas Jacob, a magistrate, and Chachiamma Jacob. He graduated with honours in English Literature from Madras Christian College before beginning his journalistic career in the 1950s with The Free Press Journal in Mumbai.

    Over the decades, he held senior editorial roles at The Searchlight, The Free Press Journal and the Far Eastern Economic Review, and later became the founding editor of Asiaweek in Hong Kong. In India, he served as editorial adviser to The New Indian Express, where his widely read weekly column, Point of View, ran for 25 years until June 2022.

    George was known for his unwavering stand against corruption, social injustice, and communal intolerance. His columns often questioned power and highlighted issues of public concern with clarity and conviction.

    An accomplished author, George wrote several biographies and political works, including Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore, The Life and Times of Nargis, Krishna Menon: A Biography, and The Dismantling of India: In 35 Portraits:  a collection of essays on politicians, artists, activists, and public figures.

    In recognition of his contributions to journalism and literature, he received several awards including the Padma Bhushan (2011), Rajyotsava Award (2007), Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Award (2024), and Kesari Media Award (2017), among others.

    Through a career spanning more than seven decades, TJS George remained a steadfast voice of reason and integrity in Indian journalism: a writer who never hesitated to speak truth to power. His legacy continues to inspire generations of journalists and readers alike.

  • Kia shifts gears with new chiefs steering sales and business in India

    Kia shifts gears with new chiefs steering sales and business in India

    MUMBAI: Kia India is switching lanes in style and it’s bringing two seasoned drivers to the wheel. The carmaker has announced a leadership shuffle, appointing Sunhack Park as chief sales officer (CSO) and Joonsu Cho as chief business officer (CBO), signalling a bold new lap in its India journey. Park, who brings 28 years of global automotive experience, has worked across South Korea, the Middle East & Africa, and India, and now takes charge of Kia India’s sales strategy. His focus? Sustainable growth, tighter operational efficiency, and expanding Kia’s footprint in one of the world’s most competitive car markets.

    Cho, with over 32 years of leadership experience spanning Australia, the UK, and Europe, will steer business strategy, production planning, exports, and alliances as CBO. His role puts him squarely in the pit crew for Kia India’s next phase of expansion, ensuring the brand accelerates with precision and consistency.

    “This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand our presence in a dynamic and evolving market,” said Park, underscoring his intent to boost dealer networks and sharpen Kia’s sales edge.

    Cho added: “Kia India has made remarkable strides in the market, and my priority will be to develop and execute robust business strategies that support sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

    The appointments reinforce Kia’s long-term commitment to India, where the brand has quickly carved out a premium niche since entering in 2019. With Park and Cho in the cockpit, Kia seems ready to keep the pedal pressed on innovation and growth in the fast-changing Indian auto landscape.
     

  • Moe’s Art gets a reel deal as Shantanu Anam joins as creative director

    Moe’s Art gets a reel deal as Shantanu Anam joins as creative director

    MUMBAI: When storytelling meets strategy, the screen just got sharper. Moe’s Art, the creative-first communications consultancy, has appointed Shantanu Anam as its new creative director, signalling a bold push into video-led content across brand films, commercials, and original productions.

    With over a decade of experience spanning OTT content, digital media, theatre, and screenwriting, Anam rose to prominence with the viral web series Baked. He has since worn multiple hats writer, actor, director across platforms like All India Bakchod and Arre. Most recently, he served as content head at the Jio-backed media company NEWJ, where he wrote Hotstar Special’s Pariwar and produced Happy Hour. He also starred as Debu in the critically acclaimed dark comedy Dilli Dark, praised for its razor-sharp social satire.

    A Syracuse University alumnus, Anam is tasked with strengthening Moe’s Art’s video content vertical, while also expanding the consultancy’s footprint as a brand solutions partner. The focus will be on multi-format storytelling digital-first videos, on-ground activations, and original IPs such as Happily Never After and The Anti-Agency Show aimed at building deeper audience engagement and meaningful brand connections.

    Moe’s Art co-founder Vishaal Shah said, “In an increasingly cluttered world where AI often adds to the noise, it has become more important than ever for brands to truly connect with their audiences. Shantanu’s versatility across theatre, digital, and OTT brings a fresh creative edge to what Moe’s Art can offer its clients. With his leadership, we aim to craft storytelling that resonates deeply and sets new benchmarks in branded content and audience engagement.”

    Adding his perspective, Shantanu Anam said, “Storytelling is the heartbeat of meaningful communication. At Moe’s Art, I am excited to build on that belief by pushing creative boundaries to craft original, compelling content. My goal is to create work that builds a genuine connection between brands and their audiences’ stories that audiences embrace, and brands can be proud of.”

    With Anam on board, Moe’s Art is poised to turn up the volume on video-first storytelling, proving that when creativity and strategy collide, even brands get a standing ovation.

  • Panasonic merges industry and energy divisions to power growth in India

    Panasonic merges industry and energy divisions to power growth in India

    MUMBAI: When energy meets industry, sparks are bound to fly and Panasonic just flipped the switch. Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) has strategically merged its Industrial Devices (INDD) and Energy Solutions (ESD) divisions into a single powerhouse: Panasonic Industry & Energy India (PIDEIN). The move promises sleeker operations, sharper customer focus, and a jolt of innovation for the Indian market.

    Helming the new entity is Narayan Kumar, who steps in as chief business officer. Previously the divisional director of INDD, Kumar brings a mix of strategic vision and hands-on B2B experience, reporting directly to PLSIND MD and CEO Tadashi Chiba.

    Commenting on the integration, Chiba said, “By bringing together our Energy and Industry divisions under PIDEIN, we are unlocking new opportunities to innovate and deliver solutions that truly matter. With Narayan’s leadership, we are confident PIDEIN will strengthen our market presence and drive sustainable growth in India.”

    Kumar added, “India is at a critical inflection point as a global manufacturing hub. PIDEIN combines electronic and electromechanical components with energy solutions across Automotive (ICE & EV), Infra ICT, HVAC, and Automation segments. Together, we can help customers build products for a self-sustaining and greener future.”

    Panasonic’s Industrial Devices portfolio in India covers advanced electronic and electromechanical components including passives, sensors, relays, microswitches, BLDC motors, as well as automation products like servo systems, PLCs, HMIs, and sensing solutions. On the energy side, the ESD division supports India’s green push with lithium-ion batteries for EVs, renewable energy storage systems, and energy management solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

    The consolidation into PIDEIN signals more than just a rebranding, it reflects Panasonic’s drive to streamline operations, foster collaboration, and accelerate innovation. By uniting diverse technologies under one umbrella, the company aims to deliver tailor-made solutions while advancing its global mission of sustainable and customer-centric growth.

    With Narayan Kumar at the helm and a clear roadmap for integrated growth, PIDEIN is set to energise India’s industrial and energy landscape, proving that when the right sparks meet, the future truly lights up.

  • Laura Maness steps down as global chief of Grey after three-year stint

    Laura Maness steps down as global chief of Grey after three-year stint

    NEW YORK: Laura Maness is stepping down as global chief executive of Grey, the 105-year-old advertising agency, after more than three years at the helm. In a LinkedIn post published on Thursday, Maness—the first woman to lead the storied shop—said she would be “passing the baton” to close colleagues whilst embarking on what she described as a “bold new chapter.” She offered no details about her next move.

    The departure marks the end of a brief but eventful tenure for Maness, who became only the sixth global chief in Grey’s history when she took the reins in September 2022. During her time leading the WPP-owned agency, Grey operated as a standalone brand within the Ogilvy network, a structure designed to preserve its independence whilst leveraging the broader group’s resources.

    Maness joined Grey from Havas, where she spent nearly a decade, most recently as chief executive of the group’s north American flagship. At Havas she drove what the industry regarded as a remarkable turnaround, earning the agency accolades including Digiday’s most innovative culture and Ad Age’s best places to work. She also steered Havas to become the first major network agency in America to achieve B Corp certification.

    Before Havas, Maness spent six years at Designkitchen, an independent Chicago shop that was acquired by WPP in 2008 following growth she helped orchestrate. Her career spans stints at FCB Global, Propane and Wunderman, with early roles at Black Dog Interactive and Giant Step during the dot-com era.

    Beyond her executive roles, Maness serves on several boards, including Tory Burch Foundation, Alembic Technologies, B Lab and the 4A’s, where she is vice chair. She co-chairs 50/50 Women on Boards and is a founding member of Chief, the invitation-only network for women leaders.

    Grey, founded in 1917, markets itself on creating “famously effective” ideas for brands. The agency has been named to Newsweek’s top 100 global most loved workplaces and America’s greatest workplaces for women, with women representing 50 per cent of its executive leadership.

    Maness’s cryptic sign-off—”As for what’s next? More to come”—has left industry observers guessing about her future plans.

  • Recruiter Nupur Mehta jumps to James Douglas as managing partner

    Recruiter Nupur Mehta jumps to James Douglas as managing partner

    MUMBAI: Nupur Mehta has landed at James Douglas as managing partner, capping a year of musical chairs in India’s executive search industry. She left PageExecutive in September after just eight months as partner, having previously spent nearly 11 years at Michael Page climbing from senior consultant to director.

    James Douglas positions itself as the successor to EMA Partners’ Indian operations, focused on recruitment and succession planning. Mehta will oversee the firm’s consulting work, helping companies identify talent and groom future leaders. She thanked K Sudarshan, Reet Bhambhani, Subburaj S, Sanjeev Das and Malini Bhupta in her LinkedIn announcement—presumably the team behind the new venture.

    At Michael Page, Mehta ran the healthcare, life sciences and technology practices, managing a team of over 15 sales consultants whilst handling profit-and-loss responsibilities. She served on the Page Group’s global shadow executive board, the India technology board, the Asia-Pacific healthcare board and the India diversity and inclusion council. Before that, she spent two years as associate director building out the same verticals.

    Mehta joined Page Group in 2014 fresh from business school, where she had specialised in human resources. A brief summer internship at Mercer, working on a retirement benefits survey, and a year as a software engineer at HCL Technologies rounded out her early career. Her move suggests James Douglas is betting on experienced recruiters to differentiate itself in a crowded market, where firms like Korn Ferry, Egon Zehnder and Russell Reynolds compete for high-margin executive mandates.

    Whether the new firm can carve out a niche remains to be seen. India’s executive search business has grown as companies scramble for senior talent, but the sector is notoriously relationship-driven. Mehta’s decade-plus Rolodex may prove the firm’s biggest asset.

  • From chocolates to toothpaste: Wavemaker’s Chintan Thakker switches lanes

    From chocolates to toothpaste: Wavemaker’s Chintan Thakker switches lanes

    MUMBAI: Chintan Thakker has traded sweet treats for dental care. The senior business director at Wavemaker India, who spent the past four years crafting campaigns for Mondelez’s snacking empire, is now leading the agency’s integrated marketing communications for Colgate.

    The move caps a 14-year career that began in social media analysis and meandered through entrepreneurship before landing Thakker in his current role. His time with Mondelez proved particularly fruitful: the campaigns he orchestrated earned India its first Cannes Titanium Lion and racked up over 300 national and international awards in just two and a half years.

    Thakker joined Wavemaker in May 2021 as director of innovation and integrated marketing communications, building a seven-person team and driving technology and content partnerships for Mondelez India. He was promoted to senior business director this month./

    His earlier ventures were less gilded. In 2015, Thakker co-founded twentythree, a boutique digital agency that worked with Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and TLC. He also launched Odd Giraffe Lifestyle, a women’s brand that folded after seven months in 2017—a failure he credits with sharpening his strategic instincts.

    Before striking out on his own, Thakker climbed the ranks at digital agencies Gozoop and EveryMedia Tech, managing social media for brands including Hyundai, PepsiCo and Bollywood studios. He started his career in 2011 as a video editor and reporter at Fuzion Productions.

    The Colgate account marks fresh territory for Thakker, who has spent recent years immersed in the language of indulgence. Now he must master the vocabulary of oral hygiene.

  • Dangleads ramps up growth with new VP of sales and strategy

    Dangleads ramps up growth with new VP of sales and strategy

    MUMBAI: Dangleads Technologies has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Gaurav Bhattacharya as vice president of sales and strategy, signalling a push to strengthen global reach and client engagement in the fast-moving digital advertising market.

    Bhattacharya brings 16 years of experience in media sales, marketing, planning, buying and programmatic advertising. His last role was heading Dentsu India’s programmatic business for the west region, partnering with clients including Tata AIA, ICICI Bank, Ferrero Rocher and Croma. He has also held leadership positions in adtech firms such as Zapr and Rooter.

    At Dangleads, he will spearhead initiatives across programmatic advertising (Audience connect), CTV advertising (Spectra) and DCO and rich media solutions (Infynix), aiming to boost revenue, scale operations and enhance client value.

    “I am excited to join DangleAds at this pivotal stage,” said Bhattacharya. “With its strong foundation and cutting-edge platforms, the company is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact for brands and partners.”

    Founder and CEO Pulkit Narayan added, “Gaurav’s experience will help us expand globally, strengthen partnerships and accelerate growth. His leadership will be crucial in shaping the next phase of our journey.”

    Founded in 2017, Dangleads Technologies provides end-to-end digital solutions across multiple platforms, operating in India, Singapore, UAE, Germany and the Netherlands. Its full-funnel strategies combine precision targeting, automated media buying and adaptive creative solutions to deliver measurable ROI for clients.

  • Kevin Vaz retained as IBDF president, Avinash Pandey to be secretary general

    Kevin Vaz retained as IBDF president, Avinash Pandey to be secretary general

    MUMBAI: The Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) has sent out a clear signal at its 26th Annual General Meeting in New Delhi: television remains the beating heart of India’s entertainment story.

    A significant leadership transition was announced at the AGM. Media veteran Avinash Pandey will assume the role of secretary general from October 1, 2025, succeeding Siddharth Jain, whose tenure concluded on September 30. Members expressed gratitude to Jain for his contributions and warmly welcomed Pandey. Reflecting on his appointment, Pandey said, “I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time. My focus will be on engaging with government, navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, and strengthening IBDF’s role as the industry’s unified voice.”  

    Chairing the AGM in his inaugural address as president, Jiostar India CEO – entertainment Kevin Vaz underscored the enduring power of linear TV. He pointed out that 97 per cent of India’s original content in 2024, nearly 200,000 hours, was created for television, which continues to engage audiences at scale with roughly 46 trillion minutes of annual viewing across 190 million screens. He described TV as the “bedrock of content creation and brand building in India,” highlighting its unmatched reach and cultural resonance through the family co-viewing experience. Vaz added that advertising revenues are set to climb, with the festive season offering an immediate boost and the government’s recent GST reforms providing a strong foundation for long-term growth. “Television’s next chapter is one of evolution, leveraging reach and trust, amplified by digital,” he said, affirming IBDF’s commitment to advocate for a forward-looking regulatory framework.

    The AGM also featured board elections, where Gaurav Banerjee of Culver Max and R. Mahesh Kumar of Sun Network were re-elected, while Anil Kumar Singhvi of Zee Media joined as a new board member. The Office Bearers were re-elected for the new term, with Vaz as president, Rajat Sharma of India TV, Banerjee, and Kumar as vice presidents, and I. Venkat of Eenadu TV continuing as treasurer. The Board also includes Aroon Purie of TV Today Network, Gaurav Dwivedi of Prasar Bharati, Jayant Mathew of MMTV, and Punit Goenka of Zee Entertainment, while Sumanta Bose of Jiostar, John Brittas of Kairali TV, and Nachiket Pantvaidya of Culver Max were co-opted as members.

    The AGM was also attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, including secretary Sanjay Jaju and additional secretary Prabhat, who joined industry leaders at a special luncheon hosted by IBDF, enabling constructive dialogue between broadcasters and policymakers.