Category: People

  • Havas Media Network India elevates Uday Mohan and R. Venkatasubramanian as COO

    Havas Media Network India elevates Uday Mohan and R. Venkatasubramanian as COO

    Mumbai: Havas Media Network India, the specialised media division of Havas India has announced the elevation of two of its senior leaders to significant roles within the organisation. While Uday Mohan steps into the position of chief operating officer of Havas Media India, R. Venkatasubramanian assumes the role of chief operating officer of Havas Play. They will continue reporting to Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi.

    In his new role as chief operating officer, Uday Mohan will spearhead the comprehensive operations and strategic growth initiatives of Havas Media India. With more than two decades of expertise in the media industry, Uday has been instrumental in driving the success of Havas Media India over a span of 16 plus years in the agency. His adept leadership has led to the acquisition of several prestigious clients and garnered acclaim for the agency’s innovation across sectors.

    R. Venkatasubramanian took charge of Havas Play last year when the specialised function was launched in India along with several other countries globally. Under his guidance, Havas Play has championed numerous successful IPs and initiatives across its Sports, Content, and Entertainment divisions, solidifying its position as a leading player in a highly competitive landscape.

    Commenting on the elevations, Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia (Japan and South Korea) group CEO Rana Barua said, “Uday and Venkat’s elevations come at an important juncture for Havas Media Network India, as the agency experiences remarkable growth. Their strategic prowess and dedication have been instrumental in driving our agency’s success over the years and their elevation reflects our confidence in their vision and ability to continue fostering innovation, collaboration, and client satisfaction. I wish them all the best.”

    Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “With Uday and Venkat at the helm of their respective business divisions, Havas Media Network India has made significant strides, evident in the agency’s expanded client portfolio, new acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. This elevation underscores our unwavering dedication to fortifying our organizational framework by nurturing our in-house capabilities. Leaders like them are key to our goal of making media meaningful for our clients and the industry at large as their exceptional industry acumen is pivotal in leading a team as diverse as ours. I extend my sincerest congratulations to Uday and Venkat on their new roles and look forward to our continued trajectory of growth and success together.”

  • SecureKloud Technologies appoints Venkateswaran Krishnamurthy as CRO

    SecureKloud Technologies appoints Venkateswaran Krishnamurthy as CRO

    Mumbai: SecureKloud Technologies Ltd (NSE: SECURKLOUD; BSE:512161), a provider of innovative cloud solutions and AI, is pleased to announce the appointment of Venkateswaran Krishnamurthy (Venkat) as its new chief revenue officer (CRO).

    Venkat is a seasoned business leader with over 26 years of diverse industry experience spanning technology, cybersecurity, staffing, and e-commerce. He brings a wealth of expertise in managing large businesses and teams across various geographies, making him a valuable addition to the SecureKloud leadership team.

    Throughout his career, Venkat has held numerous leadership positions in renowned companies such as Dell, Lenovo, Ola, Teamlease and more. He has a proven track record of successfully building and scaling organizations, coupled with extensive experience in both Indian and international markets.

    Prior to joining SecureKloud, Venkat served as the global senior vice president of enterprise business at Seqrite, where he played a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation strategies for the company. His deep understanding of enterprise solutions and customer-centric approach has enabled him to deliver exceptional results and build long-lasting relationships with clients.

    In addition to his corporate endeavours, Venkat also serves as an advisor to several new-age startups, where he leverages his strategic vision to guide companies towards sustainable growth and success.

    Beyond his professional achievements, Venkat is known for his passion for music and cricket, reflecting his well-rounded personality and interests.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Venkat to the SecureKloud family as our new chief revenue officer,” said SecureKloud chairman & CEO Suresh Venkatachari. “His extensive experience, strategic insights, and proven leadership will be instrumental in driving our revenue growth and enhancing our market position. We look forward to leveraging Venkat’s expertise as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

    Venkat’s appointment reaffirms SecureKloud’s commitment to attracting top talent and strengthening its leadership team to drive business growth and deliver exceptional value to customers.

  • Game Theory appoints Partha Varanashi as the technical director of swimming

    Game Theory appoints Partha Varanashi as the technical director of swimming

    Mumbai: Game Theory, a pioneering force transforming the sports experience through innovative technology, is excited to announce the appointment of Partha Varanashi as the technical swimming director. In this role, Varanashi will be instrumental in leading the evolution of swimming training methodologies at Game Theory, aligning them with our strategic vision of shaping future champions for the Olympic Games and elevating swimmers from foundational skills to elite competitive levels.

    Underlining this appointment is Game Theory’s visionary goal of shaping future champions for the Olympic Games, with a particular focus on the 2036 Olympics, for which India is mounting a robust bid. This initiative aims to elevate swimmers from foundational skills to elite competitive levels. The vision of Game Theory extends beyond merely teaching swimming; it is about preparing athletes for the ultimate stage—the Olympics. By implementing a holistic development strategy from the grassroots level, Game Theory is setting in motion a comprehensive plan that fosters excellence in aquatic skills and equips swimmers to excel at international competitions, including the Olympics. We envision a future where our swimmers are not just participants but leaders in the global swimming community, and Varanashi’s appointment is a significant step towards realizing this vision.

    Partha Varanashi brings with him a rich and diverse professional background – A champion swimmer with a focus on aquatic education. His accolades include being the swimming coach in the FINA World Championship in Gwangju, general secretary of Surf Life Saving India, swim coaching director and coordinator at State Swim Morphett in Australia. He has an impressive record of winning 18 gold medals in National Masters Championships, 50 gold medals in State Swim Meets, and 10 gold medals in Aussie Masters events. Varanashi has also participated in three events in the FINA Masters World Championships in Montreal and Budapest. His experience in mentoring swimming coaches is equally impressive, having trained over 210 swim teachers and 300 surf lifesavers.

    In his new role, Varanashi will focus on refining and expanding Game Theory’s swimming programmes, which are unique in their integration of cutting-edge technology with advanced teaching frameworks. This innovative approach enhances both technique and safety in the water, setting our programmes apart from traditional swimming lessons. His approach will emphasize long-term athlete development, environmental awareness, and the incorporation of life-saving skills into regular training routines. These unique selling points of our swimming programmes, under Varanashi’s leadership, will contribute to our mission of revolutionising swimming education and shaping the future of the sport.

    Varanashi will oversee several key initiatives at Game Theory, each designed to revolutionise how swimming is taught and practiced. These include innovative training techniques to enhance swim instruction, focusing on form, precision, and efficiency. Additionally, he will lead safety and rescue training programmes that embed critical survival skills within the curriculum to foster adept lifesavers. He will also focus on adaptation to diverse aquatic environments, ensuring swimmers are educated about the challenges of various water bodies, such as oceans and rivers. Moreover, he will develop comprehensive physical training programmes for tailored ground workouts to improve stability, mobility, flexibility, agility, and body control. These initiatives, under Varanashi’s leadership, will play a crucial role in our mission to revolutionize swimming education and shape the future of the sport.

    In a groundbreaking move for aquatic education in India, Game Theory, under the leadership of Varanashi, is set to revolutionise swimming education with its innovative training approach and advanced facility management. Central to its strategy is a rigorous three-tiered teacher training programme that ensures daily, weekly, and monthly professional development, keeping instructors at the forefront of swimming techniques and educational methods. A cutting-edge technology suite complements this, incorporating video analysis systems for real-time technique monitoring against ideal models. In these sessions, swimmers will benefit from videos demonstrated by top swim models and a newly developed software system that captures and analyses their movements during assessments, offering precise feedback and enabling rapid technical improvement. This unique integration of technology enhances the learning experience and performance assessment, setting a new standard in swim education.

    Game Theory founder Sudeep Kulkarni expressed his enthusiasm about Varanashi’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Partha Varanashi to Game Theory. His deep technical expertise in swimming education and our cutting-edge technology will undoubtedly make our pools a burgeoning hub of talent in the coming years. There truly could have been no better choice to lead these initiatives and help us shape the future of swimming.”

    Partha Varanashi, newly appointed technical swimming director at Game Theory, shared his excitement about his new role, saying, “I am excited to join Game Theory, where we are harnessing cutting-edge technology to transform how swimmers are developed from the grassroots level. Our integration of detailed analytics allows us to track each swimmer’s progress with unprecedented precision. This approach not only refines their technique but also ensures they are prepared to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of competitive swimming. By fostering a foundation of excellence and safety, we set new standards in aquatic education and empower swimmers to achieve their fullest potential.”

  • JetSynthesys appoints Raj Thadani as CEO of JS-DHH joint venture

    JetSynthesys appoints Raj Thadani as CEO of JS-DHH joint venture

    Mumbai: New-age digital entertainment and technology company, JetSynthesys, is pleased to announce the appointment of Raj Thadani as the CEO of its joint venture (JV) with Digital Hearts Holdings (DHH), a Japanese holding company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE). In his new capacity, Thadani will spearhead strategic initiatives, drawing on DHH’s expertise to bolster India’s gaming supply chain pipeline.

    Thadani’s appointment signifies JetSynthesys’ commitment to harnessing DHH’s renowned capabilities within India, solidifying its global stature in gaming innovation. With extensive experience spanning close to two decades in technology and gaming, Thadani is poised to guide the joint venture towards success, seizing opportunities within the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

    JetSynthesys CEO and founder Rajan Navani expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are happy to welcome Raj Thadani as the CEO of our joint venture with Digital Hearts Holdings. His proven leadership skills and deep understanding of the gaming industry will be invaluable as we work to establish India as a global hub for game development and create impactful gaming experiences for our audience. Together, we are poised to unlock new avenues of growth and innovation in the gaming ecosystem.”

    Raj Thadani, the newly appointed CEO of JS-DHH Joint Venture, shared his vision for the joint venture, saying, “I am excited to lead the joint venture between JetSynthesys and Digital Hearts Holdings. Our collaboration signifies a commitment to excellence and innovation in the gaming sector. I look forward to leveraging DHH’s strengths and JetSynthesys’ vision to drive meaningful impact and deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders.”

    In November 2023, JetSynthesys announced a strategic partnership with Digital Hearts Holdings Co., Ltd. (DHH). As part of this collaboration, DHH has invested in JetSynthesys Co., Ltd. (JetSynthesys Japan). Simultaneously, JetSynthesys Japan harnesses DHH’s expertise in quality assurance, customer support, and marketing to create global products. JetSynthesys has formed a 50:50 joint venture in India with DHH. The joint venture will expand its debugging businesses in India and the global gaming market by combining the resources and know-how of both companies.

  • Kaizzen bolsters North Operations with appointment of Ankita Malik as vice president

    Kaizzen bolsters North Operations with appointment of Ankita Malik as vice president

    Mumbai: Kaizzen, a leading independent Communications Agency, announces the strategic appointment of Ankita Malik as vice president-North. With more than 14 years of experience in the communications industry, Ankita brings a wealth of expertise in crafting impactful strategies and fostering client relationships.

    Ankita’s appointment underscores Kaizzen’s commitment to enhancing its presence and service offerings in the Northern markets. In her new role, Ankita will spearhead initiatives to drive growth, expand client engagement, and elevate Kaizzen’s standing as a trusted partner for strategic communications solutions across verticals.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Ankita to our team as Vice President for North,” said Kaizzen CEO Vineet Handa. “Her proven track record of delivering results and her deep understanding of the communications landscape will be instrumental in propelling our North operations to newer heights. Ankita’s strategic vision and leadership will undoubtedly reinforce Kaizzen’s position as a preferred communications partner in the region.”

    Ankita’s expertise spans technology, telecommunications, auto, and lifestyle sectors. With her dynamic leadership, Ankita is poised to deliver top-notch services and drive competitive advantages for products and services, bolstering Kaizzen’s revenue portfolio.

    Welcoming her to the team, Kaizzen group president Nikhil Pavithran, said, “Ankita’s experience will not only help us in growing Kaizzen’s portfolio but will also be instrumental in expanding our other specialized verticals. With her appointment, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering diverse leadership perspectives and working towards a more inclusive organization. I welcome her formally on board and wish her the best.”

    “I am excited to embark on this new journey with Kaizzen and contribute to the company’s continued success,” said Ankita Malik. “The opportunity to lead the North operations presents an exciting challenge, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Kaizzen to deliver unparalleled value to our clients.”

    Ankita has served on senior counsel teams and contributed to renowned PR consultancies such as Zeno Group, MSL Group, and Six Degrees BCW. She has also led marketing communications for notable brands like Intex Technologies and Comio Smartphones. With over 14 years of experience, Ankita has managed brands across India, China, the USA, and APAC regions, showcasing her versatility and global perspective. Based in New Delhi, she brings a wealth of international expertise to her role at Kaizzen.

  • KAFF India welcomes Shital Gupta as new CEO

    KAFF India welcomes Shital Gupta as new CEO

    Mumbai: KAFF India, a pioneering name in the kitchen appliances industry, proudly announces the appointment of Shital Gupta as its new chief executive officer (CEO). With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Gupta brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to his new role.

    Prior to joining KAFF India, Gupta held key leadership positions at prominent industry giants such as Samsung, LG, Videocon, Dish TV Godrej and BPL. His extensive experience in leading renowned organizations highlight his exceptional leadership capabilities and strategic acumen.

    Expressing his enthusiasm about the appointment, KAFF India’s MD Deepak Anand, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Gupta to the KAFF family. With his distinguished career and remarkable achievements, we are certain that he will lead our organization into its next phase of growth.

    Shital Gupta stated, “I am honored and excited to assume the role of CEO at KAFF India. It is a privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I am committed to leveraging my experience and expertise to contribute to the overall success and expansion of the organization along with the channel expansion. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at KAFF to achieve our shared vision and objectives.”

    Gupta’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for KAFF India as the company continues to innovate and expand its presence in the market. With his strategic leadership and deep industry knowledge, KAFF India is poised to achieve new milestones and solidify its position as a leader in the kitchen appliances sector.

  • Niladri Datta joins Buffalo Soldiers as senior advisor – business & growth

    Niladri Datta joins Buffalo Soldiers as senior advisor – business & growth

    Mumbai: Buffalo Soldiers, the fast-growing advertising agency with a digital heart, known for its innovative and fresh approach to campaigns, is thrilled to announce the addition of Niladri Datta as senior advisor – business & growth. This strategic move is set to make some serious impact in the industry.

    Datta, a name synonymous with transformative leadership and strategic prowess, brings a wealth of experience and three decades of proven track record to Buffalo Soldiers. His journey through the ranks of major corporations has left a lasting impact on the landscape of Indian business, particularly in the consumer durable agency.

    For nearly 15 years, Datta was a pivotal figure at LG Electronics where his roles were diverse & influential – including stints as chief marketing officer (CMO) as well as heading products/modern trade/e-commerce etc. As a leader of the washing machine business for a decade, he ensured LG as the leading brand in the consumer durable industry.

    Before joining Buffalo Soldiers, Datta also made significant contributions at IFB, one of India’s leading home-grown appliances brands. He served in different positions before becoming All India Marketing Head for seven years and later joined back as vice president – head of marketing and strategy for two more years. His strategic initiatives during these tenures not only propelled IFB to new heights but also strengthened its market position across the country.

    At Buffalo Soldiers, Datta will be focusing on driving business growth and shaping strategic initiatives that align with the agency’s vision for the future. His expertise in leading cross-functional teams and his deep understanding of the Indian market dynamics are expected to bring fresh perspectives and robust growth strategies to the table.

    “Niladri is not just any addition to our team; he’s a powerhouse of strategic acumen and market savvy. With him on board, we’re all geared up to redefine the way brands engage with their audiences,” said Buffalo Soldiers co-founder & CEO of Sumon K Chakrabarti. “His vision aligns perfectly with our goals, and his joining marks a pivotal chapter in our journey towards becoming an industry leader.”

    Buffalo Soldiers’ is a sector-agnostic agency, with prominent B2C, B2B and Sports verticals. Datta’s role will involve guiding the agency through new challenges and identifying growth opportunities.

    “This is a fantastic new chapter in my career, and I am eager to contribute to Buffalo Soldiers’ journey of transformation and breakthroughs in the advertising world,” Niladri Datta expressed. “The opportunity to impact the market with a team as dynamic and passionate as this one is truly invigorating.”

    With Datta’s strategic guidance, Buffalo Soldiers is poised to enhance its services and expand its footprint in the competitive landscape of advertising. The agency looks forward to benefiting from his extensive experience and leadership as they continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions to their client partners, helping brands make a more profound impact in their marketing journey.

    “Watch this space,” added Chakrabarti, “because with Niladri, we’re about to take things to the next level.”

  • Danone India appoints Shashi Ranjan as MD

    Danone India appoints Shashi Ranjan as MD

    Mumbai: Danone, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, announced the appointment of Shashi Ranjan as the managing director for Danone India, effective 10 May 2024. With an extensive background in the consumer goods industry and a proven track record of leadership, Ranjan brings valuable expertise to further drive Danone’s growth and innovation in the dynamic Indian market.

    In his new role, Ranjan will spearhead Danone’s strategic initiatives in India, focusing on expanding the company’s presence, strengthening partnerships, and fostering sustainable growth. Leveraging his deep understanding of consumer preferences and market dynamics, he is committed to steering Danone India towards its global vision of delivering health through food to the people of India.

    Ranjan brings over two decades of experience in corporate leadership, strategic management, and organizational transformation. His robust leadership skills, strategic acumen, and passion for fostering positive change make him an exemplary fit to spearhead Danone’s operations in India.

    Commenting on the appointment, Danone president of AMEA Christian Stammkoetter stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Shashi Ranjan to lead our business in India. His extensive experience and proven track record in the consumer goods industry makes him the perfect candidate to propel Danone’s growth and innovation agenda in this important market. We are confident that under his leadership, Danone India will continue to flourish and positively impact the lives of millions of consumers across the country.”

    Before joining Danone India, Ranjan served as president & country head of Sebamed in India, leading the brand’s growth and market expansion. Previously, he held key roles at Johnson & Johnson, McKinsey & Company, and IBM Consulting, driving market entry strategies and business transformations. Prior to this, he served the Indian Government in General administration and strategy roles across different parts of India

    Ranjan’s leadership ethos fosters innovation and continuous improvement, cultivating an environment where every day presents an opportunity to learn and inspire. His appointment marks a promising new chapter in Danone India’s journey towards growth and innovation.

  • Tredence appoints Munjay Singh as COO

    Tredence appoints Munjay Singh as COO

    Mumbai Tredence, the global data science and AI solutions company, is continuing its growth trajectory with the appointment of Munjay Singh as chief operating officer.

    Munjay has held senior leadership roles at global technology consulting and product firms, where he drove operational efficiency and customer experience initiatives across diverse market segments. He will provide the strategic vision, leadership, and deep operational expertise needed to accelerate the delivery of Tredence’s organic and inorganic growth strategies.

    Munjay’s appointment follows a season when Tredence has raised more than $205 million from private equity firms, expanded into new regions and verticals, launched the ATOM.AI ecosystem, and developed a GenAI-as-a-service platform. Driven by innovation and co-creation with clients, Tredence has grown four times between 2020 and 2024, achieving 40 per cent growth in 2023.

    “I am thrilled to join Tredence and amplify its ability to help enterprise clients modernize data ecosystems and solve last-mile AI challenges. Our suite of 100+ AI/ML accelerators delivers unprecedented value to clients, providing a wide array of solutions to boost decision-making and unlock new opportunities. Additionally, our verticalization strategy, expert practices, and extensive partner network enable us to solve increasingly complex industry challenges and tailor our capabilities to client needs,” said Tredence COO Munjay Singh.

    “Tredence collaborates with more than forty Fortune 500 companies to help them uncover opportunities in marketing, customer experience, supply chain, and other functions. We have developed verticalized collections of AI and data accelerators that our clients have implemented to achieve tangible business improvements within weeks. Under Munjay’s leadership and strategic guidance, we aim to propel this vision forward, driving innovation and operational excellence across our business functions and practices, and achieving new levels of success,” said Tredence CEO and co-founder Shub Bhowmick.

  • Kraft Heinz appoints Nayeema Kouser as global capability director

    Kraft Heinz appoints Nayeema Kouser as global capability director

    Mumbai: Kraft Heinz India announced the appointment of Nayeema Kouser as the director of GBS Global Capabilities Centre, a pivotal role aimed at overseeing and establishing critical operations, and building global capabilities crucial for the success of GCC operations in India.

    Renowned for her innovative prowess and solution-centric approach, Nayeema brings a wealth of experience spanning diverse sectors including FMCG, IT services, Banking, and Reinsurance. Her expertise includes driving sustainable growth, transforming structures and processes, and instilling a culture of financial discipline. Armed with a proven track record of effectively managing large teams across various functions and geographies, her tenure as the Head of Europe Finance Centre – GCC at AB InBev India further solidifies her leadership credentials. She has also held significant positions such as managing director of Global Accounting Controllership at State Street and Director of Operational Risk Management at Swiss Re.

    Expressing her enthusiasm about the new role, Nayeema shared, “I am eager to leverage my extensive experience and collaborate with the talented teams here to propel the organization towards unprecedented growth and sustained success. This opportunity allows me to utilise my professional insight to make tangible contributions within and beyond the organization’s boundaries.”