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Category: People

  • Hitwicket appoints Anand Ramachandran as creative director

    Hitwicket appoints Anand Ramachandran as creative director

    Mumbai: Gaming startup Hitwicket has announced the appointment of Anand Ramachandran as its new creative director. Anand, ex-creative director at Disney Byju’s Early Learn app, brings with him over two decades of experience in game development, interactive entertainment and storytelling. His strategic vision and expertise are set to drive Hitwicket’s global engagement and expand its user base.

    Over the past year, Hitwicket has experienced significant growth, exceeding 10 million downloads and targeting a 5X increase within the next two years. With Anand onboard, the company aims to strengthen its position as a global leader in the gaming industry. Anand will play a key role in enhancing the user journey for both current and new players, shaping game design, product roadmap, and ensuring ongoing evolution. He will work closely with the team to improve the overall user experience.

    Anand Ramachandran expressed his enthusiasm about joining Hitwicket, stating, “I am thrilled to become a part of India’s leading cricket gaming franchise. As a kid, I was always creating cricket games—with dice, playing cards, and pen and paper—but my rough designs and prototypes rarely saw the light of day. Now, with Hitwicket, I get the chance to bring those childhood actions to life. My goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cricket gaming, infuse new creative ideas to gameplay, and ensure that every player, whether a seasoned pro or a newcomer, finds something exciting and engaging. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Hitwicket along with the founders Keerti Singh and Kashyap Reddy, to explore new avenues of creativity, innovation, and user experience, and to make this game a global phenomenon.”

    A gaming industry veteran, Anand Ramachandran has been a driving force behind some of the most popular games on the market that has shaped the landscape of interactive entertainment. With a remarkable career that includes pivotal roles such as creative director for the Disney Byju’s Early Learn app, director of design at Hike Messenger, and lead designer for Zynga’s first India-launched game, Hidden Shadows, Anand has consistently pushed the boundaries of game design. His impressive portfolio boasts contributions to iconic titles like Mafia Wars, Hidden Chronicles, and Yoville, showcasing his knack for creating engaging experiences that resonate with millions of gamers

    Co-founders Kashyap Reddy and Keerti Singh shared their thoughts on Anand’s appointment saying, “We are delighted to welcome Anand to the Hitwicket team. His wealth of experience and creative vision will undoubtedly open new horizons for us in game creativity and design. Having an industry veteran like Anand, who has been instrumental in shaping some of the most engaging and popular games, choose Hitwicket as his next venture gives us the confidence to further solidify our brand’s position in the gaming industry and continue our journey to becoming a global leader in cricket games. We believe Anand’s addition to our team will propel Hitwicket to new heights, enabling us to innovate not just gameplay but also player engagement and community building. Together we are set to explore new creative possibilities and push the boundaries of what a cricket game can achieve.”

    Joining Hitwicket, Anand is set to leverage his extensive experience and creative vision to elevate the gaming experience to new heights. As Hitwicket progresses on its journey, the company remains focused on shaping the future of mobile gaming, aiming to be a leading brand from India with global appeal, competing with top gaming brands. With Anand’s arrival, players can expect exciting developments in the game that will engage current fans and attract new gamers to cricket. His appointment is a significant milestone for Hitwicket, bringing innovations and a promising future in the gaming industry. Anand’s expertise will be vital in enhancing the gaming experience for millions worldwide, ensuring that Hitwicket remains distinctive in a market dominated by international titles. 

  • Philips appoints Bharath Sesha as managing director for the Indian Subcontinent

    Philips appoints Bharath Sesha as managing director for the Indian Subcontinent

    Mumbai: Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), health technology and innovation, announced the appointment of Bharath Sesha as managing director for the Philips Indian subcontinent, effective 1 September 2024.

    In this role, Bharath will spearhead Philips’ growth strategy in India, with a strong focus on enhancing customer satisfaction and driving operational excellence. He will manage the Healthcare business headquartered in Gurgaon and hold responsibility for Philips’ Licence to Operate in India, which includes the Philips Innovation Campus (PIC) in Bangalore, the Healthcare Innovation Centre (HIC) in Pune, and Global Business Services (GBS) in Chennai.

    Bharath succeeded Daniel Mazon, who was vice chairman and managing director for the Philips Indian Subcontinent until 1 April 2024 and has since taken on a global role at the Philips headquarters in the Netherlands.

    Bharath is a seasoned leader with over two decades of global experience, bringing a profound understanding of the Indian market, particularly within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. His expertise spans strategic leadership, business development, and operational excellence. Before joining Philips, he served as managing director at Heubach Colorants India Ltd., Renowned for his ability to inspire and lead teams toward achieving world-class performance, he consistently delivers results while driving innovation. He holds a master’s degree in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and an MBA from the Institute for Technology & Management (ITM).

    Commenting on his new role, Bharath said, “I am thrilled to join Philips and contribute to our mission of improving healthcare accessibility and affordability in India. I look forward to working with our talented team to bring our innovative technologies to address India’s unique healthcare needs. We will continue to collaborate with our partners and stakeholders to enhance our impact on the lives of millions by expanding access to quality care.”

    Philips’ ongoing investments in India have been instrumental in solidifying the brand’s position as a leading Healthtech innovator, while also enhancing its presence across the country. Key initiatives such as the new Philips Innovation Campus (PIC) in Bangalore in 2023 and the announcement of a new R&D campus at the Healthcare Innovation Center (HIC) in Pune in 2024, have significantly strengthened the company’s operational footprint. These efforts have not only driven technological advancements but have also propelled India to the forefront of healthcare innovation and research.

  • Mercedes-Benz India appoints Dr Shyam Sunder as head of external affairs and corporate citizenship

    Mercedes-Benz India appoints Dr Shyam Sunder as head of external affairs and corporate citizenship

    Mumbai: India’s most desirable luxury car maker, Mercedes-Benz, today announced an organizational change in its External Affairs and Corporate Citizenship function. The company has appointed Dr Shyam Sunder as the head of external affairs and corporate citizenship, effective from 26 August 2024. Dr Shyam will report to Santosh Iyer, managing director & CEO. In his new role, Dr Shyam will lead Mercedes-Benz India’s government relations, public policy advocacy, and policy initiatives. He will foster close collaboration with policymakers and industry leaders, and work to build communities through Mercedes-Benz’s diverse corporate citizenship programmes.

    Mercedes-Benz India managing director and CEO Santosh Iyer“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Shyam Sunder as the Head of External Affairs and Corporate Citizenship at Mercedes-Benz India. His extensive experience and deep understanding of external affairs will be invaluable in conveying our views to policymakers and actively participating in various industry associations. Dr. Shyam’s expertise aligns with our commitment to fostering close collaboration with policymakers and external stakeholders, and driving impactful corporate social initiatives at Mercedes-Benz.”

    Dr Shyam Sunder holds a master’s degree in Econometrics and a Ph.D. in Economics. With an impressive career spanning approximately 24 years, he has held pivotal roles related to driving public policy & advocacy and Government engagements at prominent automotive OEMs in the past. He has also worked with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), where he played a vital role in shaping public policy and fostering industry collaborations. His extensive expertise in public affairs, policy advocacy and strategic stakeholder engagements firmly underscores his adeptness in managing external affairs and navigating intricate regulatory landscapes for the company. 

  • Tyroo|CJ welcomes Sumit Kumar as director – global growth programs

    Tyroo|CJ welcomes Sumit Kumar as director – global growth programs

    Mumbai: Tyroo, an ad tech platform in the APAC region, announced the appointment of Sumit Kumar, who has joined the Tyroo|CJ partnership as director – global growth programs.

    Sumit Kumar brings a wealth of experience driving rapid growth and revenue within the AdTech industry, particularly in startup environments. With a distinguished career that includes leadership roles at InMobi, Mobext, Oxigen wallet and an earlier stint at Tyroo, Sumit has consistently demonstrated a strong track record in sales, business strategy, and team leadership. His appointment to Tyroo|CJ marks a strategic move to bolster the partnership’s global growth initiatives by leveraging his expertise in cross-border mobile and desktop demand and supply.

    “Joining Tyroo|CJ is a thrilling opportunity to contribute to a company and a partnership that is spearheading the performance and affiliate marketing in APAC,” said Sumit Kumar. “I am eager to drive the success of the Tyroo|CJ partnership by focusing on expanding our market presence, optimizing our product offerings, and delivering exceptional client experiences on a global scale.”

    Sumit continued, “Our mission is to generate substantial revenue growth by penetrating new markets, strengthening our collaboration with CJ, and ensuring that our clients in the US, UK, and EU fully benefit from our APAC capabilities. I look forward to leading these efforts and contributing to Tyroo|CJ continued success.”

    “We are thrilled to welcome Sumit to Tyroo|CJ as our Director-Global Growth Programs”, said Tyroo CEO Siddharth Puri. “As more global brands look to expand their presence in the APAC region, they often face the challenge of needing local expertise and support to truly succeed. Our partnership with CJ is designed to bridge that gap, offering brands the regional insights they need. With Sumit on board, we’re further strengthening this commitment. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as we help these brands navigate and thrive in APAC, while also expanding our own global footprint.”

    Sumit Kumar will be based in Bangalore and focus on driving Tyroo|CJ growth across key global markets.

  • Philips appoints Bharath Sesha as MD for the Indian subcontinent

    Philips appoints Bharath Sesha as MD for the Indian subcontinent

    Mumbai: Philips announced the appointment of Bharath Sesha as managing director for the Philips Indian subcontinent, effective 1 September 2024.

    In this role, Bharath will spearhead Philips’ growth strategy in India, with a strong focus on enhancing customer satisfaction and driving operational excellence. He will manage the healthcare business headquartered in Gurgaon and hold responsibility for Philips’ licence to operate in India, which includes the Philips Innovation Campus (PIC) in Bangalore, the Healthcare Innovation Centre (HIC) in Pune, and Global Business Services (GBS) in Chennai.

    Bharath succeeds Daniel Mazon, who was vice chairman and managing director for the Philips Indian subcontinent until 1 April 2024 and has since taken on a global role at the Philips headquarters in the Netherlands.

    Bharath is a seasoned leader with over two decades of global experience, bringing a profound understanding of the Indian market, particularly within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. His expertise spans strategic leadership, business development, and operational excellence. Prior to joining Philips, he served as managing director at Heubach Colorants India Ltd., Renowned for his ability to inspire and lead teams toward achieving world-class performance, he consistently delivers results while driving innovation. He holds a master’s degree in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and an MBA from the Institute for Technology & Management (ITM).

    Commenting on his new role, Bharath said, “I am thrilled to join Philips and contribute to our mission of improving healthcare accessibility and affordability in India. I look forward to working with our talented team to bring our innovative technologies to address India’s unique healthcare needs. We will continue to collaborate with our partners and stakeholders to enhance our impact on the lives of millions by expanding access to quality care.”

    Philips’ ongoing investments in India have been instrumental in solidifying the brand’s position as a leading healthtech innovator, while also enhancing its presence across the country. Key initiatives such as the new Philips Innovation Campus (PIC) in Bangalore in 2023 and announcement of a new R&D campus at the Healthcare Innovation Center (HIC) in Pune in 2024, have significantly strengthened the company’s operational footprint. These efforts have not only driven technological advancements but have also propelled India to the forefront of healthcare innovation and research.

  • Meesho appoints Mohit Rajani as chief product officer

    Meesho appoints Mohit Rajani as chief product officer

    Mumbai: Meesho, an e-commerce marketplace, has announced the appointment of Mohit Rajani as chief product officer (CPO). A seasoned product and technology expert, Mohit joins Meesho with a distinguished track record of building high-impact products at globally acclaimed tech companies such as Meta, Google, and Carta. In his role as CPO, Mohit will lead Meesho’s product organisation, overseeing the product management, design, and analytics teams.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Mohit to the Meesho family. Mohit’s leadership will be instrumental in driving product innovation, enhancing customer experience and building a world class product organization as we continue to scale our platform,” said Meesho founder and CEO Vidit Aatrey.

    “I have long admired Meesho’s transformative impact on e-commerce in India,” said Mohit Rajani. “The company’s mission to democratize internet commerce resonates deeply with my passion for creating meaningful products. I am excited to work with Meesho’s talented team to build innovative solutions that empower millions of Indians.”

    Prior to joining Meesho, Mohit held significant leadership roles at several global technology leaders. At Meta, he led the messenger’s monetization initiative, scaling it into a multi-billion-dollar business from the ground up. Before that he was part of the core team at Instagram that launched ads and business products, expanding the platform to over one million advertisers. Most recently, at Carta, Mohit managed a diverse product portfolio and spearheaded initiatives including international expansion and new generative AI-enabled products.

    Mohit holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

  • Celio India appoints Rejoy Rajan as new head of marketing & PR

    Celio India appoints Rejoy Rajan as new head of marketing & PR

    Mumbai: Celio, a French menswear brand has announced the appointment of Rejoy Rajan as its head of marketing & PR. A seasoned marketing professional, Rejoy has over 16 years of experience in brand management, marketing strategy (B2B & B2C), customer experience and digital marketing in the retail Industry.

    Rejoy has a proven track record for delivering innovation and growth to the brands he leads. Rejoy has held key marketing roles across reputable companies such as JKHC, Diageo, JWT and Arvind Fashions. Having previously worked on both digital & traditional ecosystems of the marketing world, Rejoy comes with robust learnings and skills that will be pertinent to strengthening the consumer connection for Celio India.

    At Celio India, Rejoy will spearhead the men’s fashion label’s marketing department and overlook key function areas namely marketing & public relations across platforms.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Rejoy to our leadership team to spearhead our brand strategy and integrated marketing efforts. As we continue our rapid growth and aim to enhance our consumer presence in India, Rejoy’s extensive experience and proven track record across the industry make him the ideal leader to elevate our brand narrative and drive greater visibility and impact,” said Celio India CEO Satyen Momaya.

    Speaking on his appointment, Celio India head of marketing Rejoy Rajan shared, “It is an absolute honour to be associated with an iconic French brand like Celio. The brand has a strong presence in the country and I am keen to further strengthen its footprint and engage with the Gen Z & Millennials whilst increasing market share. Moreover, I eagerly look forward to learning & growing with the brand and building a community of consumers who resonate with the brand’s ethos.”

  • Madison Media appoints Mimi Deb as COO – Madison Media Plus

    Madison Media appoints Mimi Deb as COO – Madison Media Plus

    Mumbai: Madison Media, a unit of Madison World, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mimi Deb as COO Madison Media Plus, heading Madison Media’s Delhi Branch. She will be reporting to Madison Media & OOH group CEO Vikram Sakhuja.

    With over 25 years of experience in the media and communications industry, Deb comes to her new role with a deep and diverse background. Her career spans significant roles at renowned organizations including GroupM, Publicis, Universal McCann, and Alchemist Group, where she most recently served as Managing Consultant. Mimi’s extensive background includes FMCG, Lifestyle & Luxury segments, as well as Digital-first businesses, having collaborated with high-profile clients such as Haleon, RSPL, Perfetti, OLX, Mother Dairy, GoDaddy, and Dabur. Additionally, she holds an Advanced Management Program degree from XLRI, Jamshedpur, and is a certified trainer

    Madison Media & OOH group CEO Vikram Sakhuja said, “We are excited to welcome Mimi Deb to Madison Media, Delhi. Her rich industry experience and strategic insight will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and expand our services. We are confident that under her leadership, our Delhi operations will thrive and continue to deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

    Mimi Deb said, “I am honored to take on the role of Head of Madison Media, Delhi. I look forward to working closely with Vikram and the entire team to drive impactful media strategies and I am also keen on expanding our Delhi branch’s reach and capabilities to better serve our clients and foster growth in the region.”

  • FCB Kinnect appoints Neha Mishra as chief talent officer

    FCB Kinnect appoints Neha Mishra as chief talent officer

    Mumbai: FCB Kinnect has announced the appointment of Neha Mishra as chief talent officer, a role she will also assume for FCB/SIX India. She moves from erstwhile VMLY&R, where she was chief people officer for India.

    In this pivotal role, Neha will spearhead the development and execution of the agency’s talent strategy, with a focus on pioneering skill-building and talent initiatives across FCB Kinnect’s offices in Mumbai, Delhi NCR & Bengaluru. Her work will strengthen the agency’s dedication to fostering a people-centric and value-driven culture.

    Her appointment is a strategic move to bolster FCB Kinnect’s dedication to fostering a collaborative environment and advancing the best talent across its diverse agency portfolio.

    With over 23 years of experience, Neha has worked with companies like VML & Glitch, IL&FS, Bombay Dyeing and Birla Sun Life Insurance, among others. She is also a Clinical Psychologist by education and a certified Life & Leadership Coach.  

    She also transformed performance management processes into robust, technology-driven programs, and created career development opportunities to support professional growth. In her previous roles, Neha focused on enhancing workforce diversity, elevating inclusion standards, and fostering an emotionally supportive work environment.

    Speaking on the appointment, FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “Neha’s depth of understanding of new-age talent practices, along with her warm and approachable demeanor will be instrumental in building a culture that is empathetic, insightful, and well-rounded. I am confident that, under Neha’s leadership, Kinnect will continue to strengthen its position as the country’s leading integrated agency, delivering world-class capabilities to its clients.”

    FCB Kinnect & FCB/SIX India chief talent officer Neha Mishra added, “I deeply believe that a progressive and inclusive culture that promotes meritocracy, innovation and boldness is the bedrock of a successful organisation. I look forward to working closely with Rohan, Chandni and all kinnectors to accelerate the agency’s growth journey, with people at the heart of it all!”

  • Rohin Desai rejoins Madison Media as chief client officer – Media Buying

    Rohin Desai rejoins Madison Media as chief client officer – Media Buying

    Mumbai: Madison Media, a unit of Madison World, is happy to announce the appointment of Rohin Desai as the chief client officer – Media Buying. He will be reporting to Madison Media CEO- Investments, Vinay Hegde

    Desai’s illustrious career spans several leading organizations, including GroupM, Lintas Media Group, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, and Enterr10 Television, where he served as Head of Revenue and Sales Strategy. He previously worked at Madison Media from August 2013 to May 2016, managing a diverse set of clients such as Pidilite, Piramal, Raymond, CEAT, Bluestar, and McDonald’s. He also led media buying for ITC at a national level at Madison. Rohin’s expertise lies in crafting and executing integrated media buying strategies that have driven exceptional success for top-tier clients, including Unilever. His career highlights include managing cross-channel media strategies across various sectors such as FMCG, Telecom, E-commerce, BFSI, Automobile, and Retail. His impressive client roster features industry giants like Snapdeal, Aditya Birla Group, Tata, Colgate, Vodafone, McDonald’s, Raymond, Pidilite, CEAT, and Bluestar. Rohin holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and Finance from IES Management College and Research Centre.

    Vinay Hegde, CEO, Investments, Madison Media, said, “I am delighted to welcome one more senior resource back into Madison. His extensive experience and proven track record in media buying and strategy and client management make him a valuable addition to our leadership. We are confident that his expertise will be instrumental in driving our continued success and expanding our impact in the industry.”

    Desai said, “I am more than happy to rejoin Madison Media and look forward to contributing to its exciting journey. The opportunity to work with such a dynamic team and build on the company’s strong foundation is truly inspiring. Together, we will explore new horizons and set new benchmarks in the industry.”