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Category: People

  • Eloelo app appoints Sagar Gaonkar as CTO

    Eloelo app appoints Sagar Gaonkar as CTO

    Mumbai: Eloelo, India’s homegrown live social media platform, is excited to announce the appointment of Sagar Gaonkar as its new chief technology officer (CTO). With over 16 years of video streaming and OTT technology expertise, Sagar will spearhead innovation, technological strategy, and compliance at Eloelo.

    Sagar Gaonkar brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at ShareChat and Disney+ Hotstar. At ShareChat, he excelled as an engineer lead, driving product conceptualisation and technical initiatives for Live streaming. His tenure at Hotstar & 100ms further solidified his reputation as a leader in the live streaming domain.

    Commenting on the appointment, Eloelo founder & CEO Saurabh Pandey said, “We are thrilled to welcome Sagar as our chief technology officer for advancing our mission of being the digital companion for India’s youth via Interactive streaming & games. His deep understanding of the live streaming industry aligns perfectly with our focus on building a vertical social entertainment platform focused on live streaming across video & audio. Sagar’s expertise will be pivotal in scaling our platform and enhancing both user & creator experience.”

    Speaking about joining Eloelo app, Sagar Gaonkar expressed his delight and added ”Joining Eloelo during a time of rapid growth in live streaming in India is incredibly exciting. I am deeply inspired by Saurabh’s mission to create a secure and interactive digital third place for India. My focus will be on expediting feature rollouts, enhancing platform stability, and ensuring a seamless and secure experience for our users & creators.”

    Eloelo currently ranks in the top three on Google Play Store in the entertainment category and serves over 75 million users in India with content available in six Indian languages. The platform has raised over $37 million from global and national investors, including Courtside, Waterbridge Ventures, Griffin Gaming Partners, Lumikai Fund and Kalaari Capital.

     

  • AET Global entrusts Su Piow Ko, VP of AET Global, With an additional charge as the CEO of India

    AET Global entrusts Su Piow Ko, VP of AET Global, With an additional charge as the CEO of India

    Mumbai: AET Displays, a renowned industry expert in fine-pitch LED displays, has entrusted Su Piow Ko, vice president of AET Global, with an additional charge as the CEO for India. With over three decades of experience in LED technology, Ko brings a wealth of expertise to his new position.

    Under his guidance, AET aims to push the boundaries of technological advancement, expand its market presence, optimize after-sales support services, and forge strategic partnerships that drive sustainable growth in India. Having officially entered the Indian market on October 26, 2023, AET expeditiously solidified its foothold, offering over 50 products and boasting more than 2000 installations nationwide. In addition, AET strategically operates one assembly plant, three offices, three customer experience centres, and five service centres throughout the country, ensuring extensive coverage and support for its clientele.

    AET Global vice president Su Piow Ko expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I am honoured to take on the responsibility of CEO, India, at AET. India presents immense opportunities for growth and innovation in the LED display industry, and I am excited to guide AET in achieving excellence and surpassing customer expectations in this dynamic market. My vision extends beyond establishing AET as a leader in the LED sector in India; I am also dedicated to bolstering the nation’s economy through our commitment to local manufacturing.”

    Ko’s journey in the LED technology sector began over 30 years ago, quickly ascending through the ranks on account of his outstanding leadership skills and technical proficiency. His 7-year tenure at Siemens as a Senior Production Operation Manager provided him with invaluable experience in managing large-scale manufacturing operations and optimizing efficiency.

    Prashant Srivastava, head of international marketing, praised Su Piow Ko’s appointment, affirming, “Su Piow Ko’s demonstrated leadership and comprehensive understanding of market dynamics make him a valuable asset to AET’s strategy in India. His forward-thinking approach will enable us to promptly adapt to market fluctuations and capitalize on emerging trends, ensuring enduring success in India’s competitive LED arena. With his years of knowledge and experience, I am confident that AET India will benefit from his ability to cultivate a collaborative and respectful culture, fostering innovation and productivity among the team.”

  • Bata India appoints Deepika Deepti as head of marketing

    Bata India appoints Deepika Deepti as head of marketing

    Mumbai: Bata India announces the appointment of Deepika Deepti as the head of marketing. With over two decades of experience in marketing & business roles at leading brands & an in-depth knowledge of the Indian and International retail industry, Deepika is set to steer Bata India’s Marketing mandate. A true culture shifter, Deepika is known for bringing in & nurturing the Sneaker culture in India through her roles at Adidas & CAMP SMA; in her new role at Bata India Ltd, Deepika is set to uphold & elevate a new stylish trajectory for the brand in fashion and lifestyle space.

    During her tenure at adidas, she played a pivotal role in driving business growth for India and Emerging markets alongside flipping the script for the sneaker industry in India with adidas Originals, Yeezy & Neo. As the chief executive officer at CAMP SMA, she spearheaded the portfolio of Bhaane, Veg Non-Veg, and a strategic partnership with Nike India. Prior to joining Bata India, Deepika held the position of senior VP of marketing at Metro Brands Ltd,  where she defined a new trajectory with the Takes you to the new campaign for metro shoes, as well as activating a modern cultural movement for Fitflop and Fila.

    Commenting on the appointment, Bata India MD & CEO Gunjan Shah said, “As Bata India continues to innovate and adapt to evolving consumer preferences through premiumization, Casualisation and building strong style credentials, I am confident that Deepika’s expertise in driving business growth and building strong brand equity will reinforce our position as the industry leader.”

    Commenting on her appointment, Bata India head of marketing Deepika Deepti said, “Bata India has been a symbol of trust and quality for close to a century. I am excited for this new journey & can’t wait to bring in unique experiences for Bata’s vast portfolio of brands! I look forward to collaborating with the talented team and leveraging our collective expertise to further strengthen the brand’s position in the market.”

    Deepika is an alumnus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, where she specialized in Accessory and Apparel Design. With her strong track record in driving retail growth, streamlining operations, and forming partnerships, she is set to contribute to Bata’s continued success. 

  • Modenik announces appointment of L.V. Vaidyanathan as executive chairman

    Modenik announces appointment of L.V. Vaidyanathan as executive chairman

    Mumbai: Modenik Lifestyle Pvt Ltd, one of India’s leading essential wear companies, backed by Advent International, announces the retirement of Sunil Sethi from his role as executive chairman, effective 31 July 2024. The company is also pleased to announce that P&G India’s former CEO & MD L.V. Vaidyanathan, will take over as executive chairman in July 2024. Sethi will continue to serve on the Board of Directors, providing his invaluable guidance to the team. This marks a significant milestone as Modenik continues to drive innovation and growth in the industry.

    During his tenure, Sunil Sethi made numerous impactful contributions to Modenik Lifestyle. He successfully integrated Modenik as a unified company across Dixcy and Enamor, with a shared purpose, vision, and values, creating a unique strategic asset with a leading position in both men’s and women’s innerwear. Under his leadership, the company navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, emerging as a resilient organization. Sunil also fostered a strong management team, grooming Shekhar Tewari, whose promotion to CEO & executive director earlier this year, solidifies the company’s leadership for future success.

    L.V. Vaidyanathan, an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, began his career with P&G. With over 25 years of experience across multiple markets, including India, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore. He has served as CEO & MD for P&G in Indonesia and subsequently in India. He has led both these businesses to industry leading growth and value creation.

    These leadership changes mark a new chapter for Modenik Lifestyle, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and sustainable growth. The board is confident that with these appointments, Modenik will continue to strengthen its market position and drive forward its strategic objectives.

    “My tenure at Modenik Lifestyle has been immensely rewarding. As I embark upon my new journey focused on strategic/advisory roles and entrepreneurial venture that gives back to the community, it is with great confidence that I pass the baton to L.V. Vaidyanathan, whose extensive expertise and vision will propel Modenik to new heights. I am excited to welcome him and look forward to the continued growth and success of the company under his leadership. I am proud of seeing through Shekhar Tewari’s journey to take on the role of chief executive officer for the company,” said Sunil Sethi.

    “We thank Sunil, whose leadership has built Modenik into a high quality organisation today, with robust systems and processes. We are excited for the next phase of Modenik’s journey, and we believe L.V. Vaidyanathan’s vast expertise and forward-thinking approach will elevate Modenik to a market leading position,” said Advent India PE Advisors MD Sahil Dalal.

    L.V. Vaidynathan said, “I am thrilled to join Modenik Lifestyle, a company celebrated for its innovation and leadership in the essential wear industry. Sunil Sethi’s outstanding contributions have established a robust foundation. I am eager to collaborate with Shekhar Tewari and Modenik’s talented team to drive growth and achieve new milestones.”

    Modenik Lifestyle board member Shantanu Khosla said, “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sunil Sethi for his invaluable contributions to Modenik Lifestyle, which have laid a robust foundation for our continued success. As LV transitions from his successful tenure at P&G to join Modenik, it reflects a broader trend of multinational CEOs moving to private equity-backed companies in India, drawn by the opportunity to drive rapid growth and create substantial value. His decision to join us underscores his confidence in our vision and commitment to advancing our growth trajectory. Additionally, the elevation of Shekhar Tewari to CEO further strengthens our management team, and I am excited to see the innovations and successes that this new leadership will bring.”

  • HiveMinds welcomes Pradeep Saluja as chief operating officer

    HiveMinds welcomes Pradeep Saluja as chief operating officer

    Mumbai: HiveMinds, a digital marketing company and part of the Madison Group, is delighted to announce the appointment of Pradeep Saluja as chief operating officer. Pradeep is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience leading business strategy, operations management, and consulting across multiple industries. As the COO, he will oversee the P&L and growth of the business and be responsible for the organisation’s overall operations.

    Pradeep has held senior positions in several leading firms, from one of the founding members of the India business at Encore Capital Group to leading firms where he has delivered sustainable growth for clients worldwide. Prior to joining HiveMinds, he served as vice president at Sprinklr, where he successfully led customer success for key accounts globally. Before this, Pradeep was with Mu-Sigma, managing the P&L of a business unit with a portfolio of Fortune 500 companies. His career began at Caterpillar, where he led West and South East India’s dealer development and customer success teams. He was also part of the management consulting practice at KPMG. Pradeep graduated from the National Institute of Technology Allahabad and is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.

    HiveMinds COO Pradeep Saluja shared, “HiveMinds has established itself as a leading player in the Digital Marketing space. The leadership’s unwavering focus on delivering value to clients and fostering an employee-centric culture echoed well with my values. I am excited to join HiveMinds and look forward to working closely with our highly energetic and capable teams to deliver sustainable growth and impact to our clients.”

    HiveMinds CEO and founder Jyothirmayee JT commented, “We are delighted to welcome Pradeep to HiveMinds. His extensive experience and proven leadership, especially in digital transformation and operations, align perfectly with our vision for the future as we expand and evolve in the digital marketing landscape. His appointment marks a significant milestone in our journey, and I eagerly anticipate the innovative solutions and lasting partnerships that will undoubtedly flourish under his leadership.”

  • Paytm Insider elevates Varun Khare to COO

    Paytm Insider elevates Varun Khare to COO

    Mumbai: Paytm Insider, one of India’s leading entertainment experiences platforms, announced the elevation of Varun Khare to chief operating officer (COO). In his new role, Varun will lead the company’s operational strategies, driving growth and innovation across all facets of the business.

    Having been with the organisation for four years, Varun as the business head showcased exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of the customers and partners. Under his management, Paytm Insider witnessed over 100 per cent growth in GMV each year over the last two years whilst quadrupling the revenue in the last two years. With a clear understanding of the brand’s vision and the need to build the event’s infrastructure in India, Varun was instrumental in making significant inroads into tier two and three markets by collaborating with artists, organisers, and promoters to enhance live event experiences.

    Before joining Paytm Insider, Varun worked with Fountainhead MKTG and eventually Oranjuice Entertainment. With a robust background spanning 17 years in the live events and entertainment industry, he specialises in meticulously crafting and executing intellectual properties (IPs).

    Talking about his new position, Paytm Insider COO Varun Khare said, “When I moved to Paytm Insider, the intention was to scale up and work with a brand whose value system and culture resonated with mine. Working with a team of 150 exceptionally talented individuals and earning their respect has been one of the most gratifying and significant achievements of my career. We have successfully expanded to over 170 cities having reached a diverse customer base across genres making my journey both challenging and rewarding.”

    He further added, “I am grateful to all the passionate people who have been a part of my journey. I am looking forward to this new phase. We’ve only just gotten started and have put ourselves in a great position to make live entertainment the preferred choice of entertainment across the country.”

    Talking about Varun’s promotion, Paytm Insider founder & CEO Shreyas Srinivasan expressed, “Paytm Insider was founded with the vision of making events a preferred choice for entertainment in India. Over the last five years we have built a full-fledged platform that supports organisers with a range of services that spans ticketing, sponsorship, artist booking, marketing and more. Varun has been instrumental in this build-out, his vast experience across all aspects of organising an event has allowed us to build a platform which will champion events and organisers across this country. I am super confident that this team has the right mix to make Insider the dominant events platform in India.”

  • FCB Kinnect appoints Priyanka Nair as national strategy director

    FCB Kinnect appoints Priyanka Nair as national strategy director

    Mumbai: Digital-first creative agency, FCB Kinnect, has appointed Priyanka Nair as national strategy director, furthering its commitment to pioneering a future where digital remains the cornerstone of brand communication strategy.

    Priyanka moves from Ogilvy, where she was executive vice president – planning and strategy.

    As our new national strategy director, Priyanka will spearhead the creation of transformative strategic solutions for our clients. With her profound expertise in deep thinking, she will enhance our digital capabilities, recognising their critical role as the foremost channel for brand development in the current market landscape.

    Based out of the agency’s Mumbai office she will spearhead the planning teams across all three geographies – Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.

    Under the guidance of Priyanka, the agency will also set up and run the transformation, expert alliances and knowledge verticals.

    With over 15 years of experience, she was also associated with Creativeland Asia. Priyanka has worked closely with brands like Coca-Cola Nutrition, Minute Maid, Audi India and Tata Sky (now Tata Play), among others.

    Her work has bagged various awards at the Cannes Lions, EFFIES India, EFFIES APAC and more.

    On the appointment, FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta said, “Priyanka’s addition strengthens the strategic direction of our digital assets towards impactful marketing. Her expertise will bolster our brand building capabilities, further amplifying our dedication to using creativity as an economic multiplier.”

    FCB Kinnect COO Chandni Shah added, “Since we already possess an integrated model blending media, tech, content, and creativity around business goals, Priyanka’s appointment will allow us to maximise our offerings, by continuing to support clients through crafting insight-driven strategies which will fuel business growth.”

    “I am super thrilled to jump onto this exciting new journey with FCB Kinnect as it gives me an opportunity to use my expertise at a digital-first creative agency, to not only to put out some fun work, but also help add value to clients and maximise effectiveness for both business and brand,” said FCB Kinnect national strategy director Priyanka Nair on joining FCB Kinnect.

  • ace turtle appoints Karandeep Singh Jaiya as chief business officer

    ace turtle appoints Karandeep Singh Jaiya as chief business officer

    Mumbai: ace turtle, India’s leading technology-native retail company today announced the appointment of Karandeep Singh Jaiya as the chief business officer. In his new role, Karandeep will lead business operations of a cluster of brands. His vision and strong leadership skills will propel the expansion of ace turtle’s fashion and toys portfolio, fostering innovation, and enriching the shopping journey for customers nationwide.

    Karandeep boasts a remarkable 25 years of experience with extensive retail domain expertise across India and the UAE. He excels in various areas, including P&L management, buying & merchandising, and retail operations. His proficiency spans diverse categories and formats, encompassing apparel, homeware, beauty products, fashion, and electronics. Additionally, he possesses proven skills in crafting buying and revenue strategies for e-commerce platforms.

    Commenting on the appointment, ace turtle CEO Nitin Chhabra said, “Our brands are in a strong growth phase with tremendous potential. We are delighted to have Karandeep onboard and believe his business acumen, rich experience, and leadership will be critical in driving the business of our brands across India.”

    Karandeep brings a proven track record of leadership to ace turtle. Prior to joining, he served as brand head for Jack & Jones at Bestseller India, where he helped grow the brand’s market presence. His experience spans key leadership roles across India and the Middle East. Notably, he managed a $180 million business as business head at Lifestyle, Landmark Group, Dubai, overseeing 180 stores and e-commerce channels across the GCC. Early in his career, he spent 14 years at Shoppers Stop leading their buying & merchandising function. There, he successfully revitalized their denim business and managed a significant revenue portfolio.

    Embarking on his new role, ace turtle chief business officer Karandeep Singh Jaiya said, “As the retail industry shifts to tech-driven omnichannel mode in India, ace turtle stands at the forefront of innovation in this realm. I am deeply inspired by the company’s relentless pursuit of retail innovation, setting new standards in the industry by utilising its proprietary technology, through data science from design to fulfilment to meet the ever-evolving needs of the customers. I look forward to partnering with the talented team at ace turtle and helping deliver business growth, seamless operations and exceptional value to our consumers.”

  • Aditya Khanolkar joins Sony Music Entertainment India as the head of administration

    Aditya Khanolkar joins Sony Music Entertainment India as the head of administration

    Mumbai: Aditya Khanolkar joins Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt Ltd as the head of administration. Prior to Sony Music, Aditya was associated with Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd. He brings over two decades of experience in administrative business with his rich and diverse expertise on the back of cost optimisation and automation.

    At Sony Music, he will be at the helm of scaling up the employee engagement experience, overseeing forecasting compliance management and budget management amongst others.

  • Grapes appoints Akshay Bhatla as VP of growth

    Grapes appoints Akshay Bhatla as VP of growth

    Mumbai: Grapes, one of the leading integrated communication agency has appointed Akshay Bhatla as vice president of growth for SEO and organic verticals.

    At Grapes, he will take the helm of the organic vertical, where he will oversee a diverse array of functions including SEO, ASO, ORM, CRM, and advanced analytics across multiple geographies. His leadership will be pivotal in driving the exponential growth of Grapes organic department growth.

    Akshay has more than a decade of experience and in his previous stint, he served as vice president of growth & marketing at EQL Fintech where he led digital marketing, user growth and retention, product marketing, etc. Prior to this, he worked with some renowned brands like Times Internet, Meesho, Zee Media, Dainik Bhaskar and Augnito, to name a few. As a VP of growth, he will oversee the SEO and organic strategy, will align various initiatives and enable his digital capabilities to support growth at Grapes.

    Grapes founder and CEO Shradha Agarwal commented, “In today’s landscape, digital offers multiple services bringing from Tech, SEO, Growth, Creative, PR and it’s challenging to streamline the process in same growth. Whereas, clients seek a one-stop solution that comprehensively understands these services and seamlessly integrates them to develop a robust long-term strategy. With Akshay Bhatla on board, we aim to establish multiple strong verticals capable of leading each client’s specific priorities, while being connected to the overall brand and business objective, remaining aligned with the overarching strategic marketing approach that grapes offer.”

    Grapes’ VP – growth Akshay Bhatla commented, “I am honored to be a part of such a great organization. Grapes has been integral in blazing the digital marketing trail for the industry on a large scale, and it’s incredibly exciting to be a part of this team. As I take this opportunity to deliver winning growth strategies that enrich the customer experience across the board, I look forward to cherishing this industry-leading work as head of SEO and other organic channels.”