ITV

Category: People

  • OLX India appoints Gunjan Kumar as chief product officer

    OLX India appoints Gunjan Kumar as chief product officer

    Mumbai: OLX India, the online marketplace,  announced that it has appointed Gunjan Kumar as its chief product officer (CPO).

    Gunjan’s role at OLX India will be to lead the next phase of growth by spearheading the development of innovative products that will add immense value to OLX India’s customers.

    Gunjan’s joining reiterates OLX India’s dedication to continuous product innovation in maintaining market leadership.

    Bringing over 14 years of experience, Gunjan possesses a wealth of expertise, having led successful product teams at esteemed companies. Before joining OLX India, he served as director of products at Times Internet and held pivotal product roles at Ixigo.com, Snapdeal, and Amazon.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Gunjan to the OLX family,” said  OLX India managing director and chief executive officer Amit Kumar. “His extensive experience in product development and deep understanding of the Indian consumer landscape will be invaluable to take us to our next phase of growth, driving greater value for our customers,”  he added

    Commenting on his appointment, Gunjan Kumar said, “The Indian online marketplace is a dynamic and ever-evolving space, and I’m excited to utilise my experience to tackle ecosystem challenges and pioneer innovative solutions that revolutionise the user experience. With OLX India’s position as a market leader, I am committed to redefining our platform to meet the evolving needs of our users and maintain our competitive edge in the industry.”

    Gunjan holds an MBA in Marketing from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and an engineering degree. In addition to his professional endeavours, Gunjan is a passionate traveller who is always planning his next adventure.

  • P&G India announces its new CEO, Kumar Venkatasubramanian

    P&G India announces its new CEO, Kumar Venkatasubramanian

    Mumbai: Procter & Gamble India announced today that Kumar  Venkatasubramanian will take over as the chief executive officer for its operations in India from 1 May 2024. Kumar is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and started his journey with P&G in the sales team in India, straight from campus in 2000. He has almost 24 years of experience, the majority of it in India across different roles in the Sales function. He is currently leading the P&G business in Australia and  New Zealand as CEO where he has been responsible for steering the team to deliver record metrics,  driven by category growth and strong retailer partnerships. Prior to the Australia role, Kumar was leading the Sales Team in P&G India until 2020.  

    Venkatasubramanian is a passionate advocate for Equality and Inclusion, and under his leadership, many programs were expanded to have a significant impact on employees and the community. This included P&G ANZ’s largest-ever corporate partnership with the Sydney Gay and  Lesbian Mardi Gras.  

    Kumar will take over from LV Vaidyanathan, who will leave the company to pursue other interests after 28 years of service to P&G. Under his leadership, P&G India has made strides of progress on the journey of bringing in superior propositions for the Indian consumers and delivered consistent balanced growth of top and bottom line. In his time, the company has also stepped-up on efforts across the key areas of Citizenship – Community Impact, Equality and Inclusion and  Environmental Sustainability.

     Quote from Stanislav Vecera, P&G president, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa:  

    “I want to thank LV for his outstanding leadership of the India organization, and his service to P&G  for nearly 3 decades. I wish him all the best for his future endeavours.

    I am thrilled with Kumar Venkatasubramanian’s appointment as the India CEO, who has been an integral part of the P&G India growth story for well over two decades. Kumar is no stranger to the Indian organization, having spent many years building and executing our business strategies here.  The Indian business and people will immensely benefit from his leadership and vision, and  collectively I am certain they will take the Indian business to new heights while maintaining a  balanced growth outlook.”

    Quote from LV Vaidyanathan:

    “It has been a great honour and privilege to lead our business in India. The journey has been incredibly fulfilling. I am so proud of every P&G employee for demonstrating commitment and passion to serve our consumers, customers, and stakeholders, and for the results we collectively achieved. I am confident in the continued success of the company and the people.”

    Quote from Kumar Venkatasubramanian:

    “It is a moment of great pride for me to come back to India and spearhead the P&G business in the country. I look forward to being back in the market, learning more about the Indian consumers and serving their needs. The India organization is on momentum, delivering consistent results and balanced top and bottom-line growth. It will be important for us to remain focused on our integrated growth strategy, as I believe it is the right strategy for us to deliver sustained outcomes.  We will focus on a portfolio of daily-use products where performance drives brand choice and raise the bar on all aspects of our superiority strategy– product, package, brand communication, retail execution, and value. We aim to lead constructive disruption in the industry across the value chain.  I believe that our agile, empowered, and accountable organization will be at the heart of our growth. I look forward to working with our incredibly talented team in India once again and  playing a part in the India growth story.” 

  • Indian advertising stalwart Fali Vakeel passes away

    Indian advertising stalwart Fali Vakeel passes away

    Mumbai: Fali Vakeel, a towering figure in the world of Indian advertising, has passed away on 16 March 2024, just two months ahead of his birthday on 6 May.

    His contributions to the advertising industry have left an indelible mark that will be cherished for years to come.

    Vakeel’s career spanned over several decades, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Indian advertising. Even after his retirement as vice chairman of Lintas, Vakeel remained deeply intertwined with the agency, serving as the trustee of its Employee Welfare Trust.

    Throughout his illustrious career, Fali Vakeel witnessed the evolution of the advertising industry, navigating through numerous changes with resilience and grace. Fali Vakeel was not only known for his quick wit, wisdom, he was titled as the ‘Last of the Mad Men in Indian advertising,’ by his colleagues and peers in the industry.

    Expressing his profound grief, MullenLowe Global – Group CEO India and CSO (APAC) Subramanyeswar S (Subbu) said, “Once in a rare while, someone like Fali comes along to not only raise the bar in their field of operation, but they create an entirely new standards of measurement – CREATIVITY, in our case. Our deepest condolences goes to his family, personal friends, and to the entire Lintas community. He will always be an inspirer and admirer to us. May he rest in peace!”

    Under Vakeel’s leadership at Lintas experienced significant growth, securing prestigious clients and accolades. His impact extended beyond the boardroom. Fali was admired for his mentoring and nurturing of talent within the industry, shaping the careers of many aspiring advertising professionals. His dedication to fostering a culture of creativity will continue to inspire generations to come.

    In his memory, the Lintas family extends its deepest condolences to Fali Vakeel’s loved ones. A man of great warmth and humor, Fali Vakeel will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

    His funeral will take place on 16 March Saturday at the Parsi Prayer Hall, Worli at 3.40 pm and Uthumna on Sunday 17 March at 3.40 pm.

  • Tata Technologies appoints S Sukanya as COO

    Tata Technologies appoints S Sukanya as COO

    Mumbai: Tata Technologies, a leading global engineering and product development digital services company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sukanya Sadasivan as its new chief operating officer (COO). Sukanya will be instrumental in driving Tata Technologies’ growth and transformation agenda, primarily focusing on strengthening delivery, practice and internal digital & IT systems.

    As COO, Sukanya will work with the Delivery heads to charter the next phase of growth, enhance engagement margins and strengthen the Company’s people supply chain in collaboration with HR and the Resource Management Group (RMG). Sukanya will work with the Practice team to develop new service lines and guide the Digital Information Office to effectively leverage digital technologies to accelerate the ongoing transformation of the business. Sukanya will be based out of Pune, India, and report directly to CEO & MD Warren Harris. The global delivery, practice organisation, and digital information office teams will report to her.

    Sukanya brings to Tata Technologies more than three decades of formidable knowledge and experience in the services sector, having previously served in various senior leadership capacities at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Before joining Tata Technologies, Sukanya held the position of senior vice president & chief information officer at TCS, leading strategic transformation initiatives across the organization. A technologist at heart, Sukanya’s extensive experience in managing large, complex relationships with clients across the globe will significantly strengthen Tata Technologies’ ability to navigate evolving business landscapes as It scales up its relationship with top automotive, aerospace and industrial heavy machinery customers.

    Tata Technologies CEO & MD Warren Harris expressed his enthusiasm for Sukanya’s appointment, stating, “Sukanya’s exceptional track record and depth of experience in the technology and services Industry will be a tremendous asset to our leadership team. I am confident that her insight and guidance will help our team prepare for the next phase of our growth as we scale up our relationships with Top R&D spenders across the world.”

    Tata Technologies COO S Sukanya shared her delight at the new opportunity, stating, “Joining Tata Technologies is a thrilling opportunity for me to contribute to a company that stands at the forefront of engineering innovation. I am eager to leverage my experience to drive operational excellence, enhance customer engagement, and support the Company’s strategic growth initiatives. Together, we will work towards achieving Tata Technologies’ vision of engineering a better world.”

    Sukanya’s appointment showcases Tata Technologies’ focus on strengthening its leadership team and preparing the Company for significant growth and innovation. Her experience and leadership in the technology sector make her an invaluable asset to Tata Technologies as the Company continues to deliver on its mission of helping the world to drive, fly, build, and farm by enabling customers to realize better products.

  • ARENQ appoints Avnish Arora as strategic business advisor

    ARENQ appoints Avnish Arora as strategic business advisor

    Mumbai: ARENQ, a leading manufacturer in the energy storage battery sector, appoints Avnish Arora as strategic business advisor. In this pivotal role, Avnish will spearhead ARENQ’s energy storage business (BESS) and battery solutions across industrial segments, including oil & gas, power, solar and renewables, telecom, IT & data centers, railways & metros, defense, and aerospace.

    Avnish brings over three decades of rich experience and deep domain expertise in battery energy systems, particularly in industrial sectors such as telecom, railways, data centers, and EVs. His foray into allied electronics further augments his understanding of the industry landscape.

    ARENQ CEO V G Anil said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Arora to our team. His extensive experience, hands-on approach, and dedication to creating a rewarding work atmosphere align seamlessly with ARENQ’s values. Mr. Arora’s leadership style emphasizes a mission-driven approach with an emphasis on performance and flexibility, which will undoubtedly propel us towards our goals and reinforce our position as an industry leader.”

    Before joining ARENQ, Avnish spent 24 years at HBL Power Systems Ltd, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the EV Power Train business and implementing the “Battery as a Service (BAAS)” concept for holistic product lifecycle management. He also successfully led business diversification from telecom to railways for train collision avoidance systems and steered the specialised/customised NICAD battery business for various government organisations and metro rolling stocks.

    ARENQ strategic business advisor Avnish Arora commented, “I am thrilled to join ARENQ and contribute to its continued success. I am committed to fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration, where innovation thrives, and teams are empowered to achieve their fullest potential. With a deep understanding of the industry and a customer-centric approach, I look forward to driving technological advancements and delivering innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of our clients across diverse sectors.”

    Avnish holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics & Electrical Communication) from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala (Punjab).

  • Chinmay Chandratre joins FCB/SIX India as SVP – media

    Chinmay Chandratre joins FCB/SIX India as SVP – media

    Mumbai: Chinmay Chandratre has joined FCB/SIX India as Sr vice president – Media. He will head the media vertical for FCB/SIX India across its three offices in Mumbai, Delhi NCR & Bengaluru.

    Prior to this role, Chinmay was the general manager at Madison World.

    With over 14 years of experience, he has worked with companies like Madison World, iProspect and Direxions Marketing Solutions, among others.

    Being one of the fastest-growing capabilities of FCB Group in India, FCB/SIX India offers a suite of digital services such as digital media planning & buying, e-commerce marketing, UI/UX design & development, CRM & martech solutions, search engine optimisation, app store & e-commerce optimisation, creative performance production hub, data studio and a command centre for listening & online reputation Management.

    Talking about the hiring of Chinmay, FCB/SIX India chief business officer Ankit Banga said, “We are thrilled to welcome Chinmay to the team, a testament to FCB/SIX India’s commitment to fortifying our media capabilities. Chinmay embodies a fusion of seasoned expertise and dynamic adaptability, poised to navigate the evolving landscape of media and client needs with enthusiasm. Additionally, Chinmay’s integrated media approach resonates seamlessly with FCB/SIX India’s view of leveraging digital platforms not only to drive performance but also build brands.”

    FCB Kinnect and FCB/SIX India CEO Rohan Mehta added, “We are confident that Chinmay’s expertise will help us work cohesively with our clients at FCB Kinnect and the FCB Group at large, to strengthen our thesis that media and creative should not be separated in a digital world, and to further the thought process of ‘creativity as an economic multiplier’.”

    Speaking on his new role, FCB/SIX India Sr VP – Media Chinmay Chandratre said, “I am thrilled to join hands with FCB Group India’s leadership team and lead the Media vertical for FCB/SIX India. Together, we are on a mission to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape, pre-empt the pulse of digital trends to drive strategic decisions and create meaningful experiences for our clients and customers. FCB/SIX India is all set to redefine digital possibilities, leverage data-driven insights, shape narratives, and unlock the full potential of modern communication to drive transformative change. I am super excited to be a part of this journey.”

  • ProcMart appoints Sachin Jain as chief financial officer and chief strategy officer

    ProcMart appoints Sachin Jain as chief financial officer and chief strategy officer

    Mumbai: ProcMart, an online B2B marketplace specialising in supply chain solutions announces the appointment of Sachin Jain as its new chief financial officer (CFO) and chief strategy officer (CSO). Sachin, a seasoned financial leader with a rich background in finance, strategic planning, and implementation, brings close to two decades of expertise to ProcMart. This appointment marks a significant milestone for ProcMart as it aims to further strengthen its financial framework and drive growth.

    Sachin is a chartered accountant (CA), company secretary (CS), and cost & management accountant (CMA). He holds a Diploma in Advanced Management & Learning Program from Oxford University, London (OAMLP), showcasing his global perspective on management and leadership. Additionally, he has completed the Senior Leadership Program from IIM Ahmedabad.

    Speaking on his appointment at ProcMart, Sachin Jain said, “With a robust pipeline of orders and new customer opportunities, ProcMart is at the cusp of embarking on an exciting phase of growth and financial health. I look forward to diligently executing on our strategic and financial priorities, and upholding our commitments to all investors. I am equally eager to lead the team towards heightened productivity and process excellence. This involves ensuring a consistent implementation of financial controls and structural efficiencies while leveraging technology for optimal business excellence.”

    Commenting on Sachin’s appointment, ProcMart founder and CEO Anish Popli said, “Sachin’s extensive expertise in finance and strategic planning makes him an invaluable asset to our team. His role is pivotal in driving growth, enhancing our financial frameworks, and maximizing shareholder value. His tenure in previous roles has been distinguished by a steadfast commitment to excellence, strategic insight, and a knack for driving significant transformations, highlighting his extraordinary acumen as a financial leader. As he takes on the role of leading our Executive Team, we eagerly look forward to the expertise he will bring to the organisation.”

    Prior to joining ProcMart, Sachin’s illustrious career includes significant roles, such as CFO at Mahle Anand Filter Systems, where he comprehensively managed finance, tax, and IT operations. As senior vice president of Finance at Anand Group, Sachin’s dedication to excellence, strategic foresight, and transformative leadership have been instrumental.

  • ACESO appoints Ranjit Kulkarni to drive research and strategic acquisitions initiatives

    ACESO appoints Ranjit Kulkarni to drive research and strategic acquisitions initiatives

    Mumbai: ACESO, a pioneering market maker company revolutionising the life insurance landscape, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ranjit Kulkarni as its new research and strategic acquisitions head. With over 35 years of distinguished experience in the life insurance industry, Ranjit brings a wealth of expertise and insight to his new role.

    As ACESO continues to innovate and provide optimal solutions to policyholders, Ranjit’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the company’s strategic growth. His extensive network within the insurance fraternity ensures that ACESO remains at the forefront of industry trends and developments.

    In his new role, Ranjit will lead ACESO’s team in leveraging the C2B platform, specifically designed for LIC policy holders, called ALIP – Assignment of Life Insurance Policies. This platform offers an alternative for policyholders who are keen to surrender their LIC Policies or where policies are lapsed, ensuring that policyholders do not lose out on their entire life-cover benefits. Additionally, this platform also helps in sustaining the income of the agents/ insurance advisors.

    Ranjit’s journey in the field of life insurance began with a passion for mathematics, which served as the cornerstone for his analytical prowess in navigating the complexities of insurance products. As a third-generation professional in insurance business development, Ranjit has garnered numerous national and international awards for his outstanding achievements. His pivotal contribution as a mentor has shaped top-performing insurance advisors, empowering them to excel in their roles and reach their full potential.

    Commenting on Ranjit’s appointment, ACESO founder Ketan Mehta said, “We are thrilled to welcome Ranjit Kulkarni to the ACESO team as our research and strategic acquisitions head. With his extensive industry experience and unwavering commitment to excellence, Ranjit will play a crucial role in driving our mission to empower policyholders and redefine the life insurance landscape. His leadership will further propel ACESO as a leader in delivering innovative solutions to our valued customers.”

    Ranjit expressing his enthusiasm, said, “I am honoured to join ACESO and contribute to its mission of providing innovative solutions to policyholders. I look forward to working with the team to further enhance ACESO’s position as a leader in the life insurance market.”

    Having facilitated the assignment of over Rs 400 million worth of Endowment policies issued by LIC of India, ACESO and its associate company have showcased a remarkable dedication to empowering policyholders. With a reputation for professionalism and expertise, ACESO boasts in-depth knowledge of insurance plans and products offered by LIC of India, setting it apart as a trusted authority in the field.  

    ACESO’s Complete Secondary Life Asset Management servicing capabilities, administered through a professional SEBI Registered trustee company, solidify its position as a cornerstone in the industry, providing seamless support to policyholders throughout their journey. With Ranjit Kulkarni at the helm of research and strategic acquisitions, ACESO reaffirms its commitment to delivering unparalleled value to policyholders and solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the insurance industry.

  • Tarun Jha moves on from Havas Worldwide India

    Tarun Jha moves on from Havas Worldwide India

    Mumbai: Tarun Jha, who had joined as the chief executive officer, decided to move on to pursue other interests. Over the past one year, Tarun was instrumental in building the creative agency, putting strong processes in place, and hiring a strong team of leaders who have helped the agency witness impressive growth. Today, Havas Worldwide India boasts an enviable roster of clients and is well poised to continue its growth momentum.  

    Anupama Ramaswamy, chief creative officer, Anirban Mozumdar, chief strategy officer and Kundan Joshee, managing partner, will continue to lead Havas Worldwide India jointly and will report to Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, Southeast Asia, and North Asia (Japan & South Korea).

    Rana Barua said, “Tarun was an intrinsic part of the team, playing a key role in establishing a robust foundation for Havas Worldwide India. He actively contributed to important discussions and helped in putting together a strong and capable second line of leaders. I wish him all the best for the next chapter.”

    Tarun Jha, said, “My time at Havas India has been a short yet a transformative experience for me, almost a refresher course that has equipped me to become a more adept and all-round marketer. Witnessing the ‘One Havas’ philosophy and the effective collaboration between the 20 agencies and specialised divisions has almost been a revelation. I look forward to applying all my acquired skills and knowledge to the art of building enduring brands and businesses, something that I have always loved doing.”

  • Confluent announces strategic hires to bolster India momentum

    Confluent announces strategic hires to bolster India momentum

    Mumbai: Confluent, Inc, the data streaming pioneer, has announced strategic new hires in India to support the company’s customer growth and momentum in the region. The company has onboarded Agastee Khante as head of marketing for India & Saarc, Jeevan Duggal as head of public sector for India and Suman Karthik as principal engineer for Confluent platform.

    Confluent’s momentum in India is driven by the country’s digital-first outlook and growing customer demand for real-time information across industries. The company is seeing strong adoption, especially among BFSI companies, public sector agencies, and digital natives. The new hires will play a critical role in supporting Confluent’s continued growth in India and globally. Agastee will drive marketing campaigns and programs, while Jeevan will develop and execute go-to-market strategies for the public sector in the country. Suman will lead the continued development of Confluent Platform for global use.

    “Home to the biggest Kafka community outside of the US, India represents a strategic growth market for Confluent as more organisations adopt data streaming for their most critical systems,” said Confluent area vice president & country manager – India Rubal Sahni. “Our remote-first model allows us to reach more talent from all over the country and also better positions us to support our global customer base. We are excited to welcome Agastee, Jeevan and Suman to the team to meet the rapidly growing customer demand.”

    Agastee joined Confluent as the India marketing leader based in Gurgaon. With close to two decades of experience in marketing and product management, Agastee will focus on enhancing Confluent’s brand presence and driving integrated marketing programs and campaigns in India. “I’m thrilled to be joining Confluent and look forward to helping drive awareness and demand for the leading data streaming platform in this high-growth market,” said Agastee.

    Based in Delhi, Jeevan has over 25 years of experience working with public sector organizations in sales and account management. Specialising in the areas of data security and data management, Jeevan worked closely with customers to design their IT infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives while keeping with regulatory requirements. Jeevan said, “Confluent’s data streaming platform is revolutionizing how government bodies build mission-critical systems and enhance citizen services. I’m excited to bring my understanding of the space to help our public sector customers realize the benefits and true value of data streaming.”

    Suman joins Confluent as principal engineer for Confluent platform from Hyderabad. Having spent his career building technology at startups and large organisations across a range of domains, Suman brings a broad spectrum of technological expertise to Confluent. As the lead for Confluent Platform, Suman will build on Confluent’s vision of developing a data streaming platform that is complete and everywhere, thereby enabling customers to achieve a central nervous system of data for their organization. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to shape the technology and engineering of Confluent Platform in a meaningful way”, Suman remarked.

    India has become Confluent’s biggest workforce based outside of the United States. To support the growing demand in India, Confluent plans to increase the local headcount by 25 per cent in 2024.

    Confluent and associated marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Confluent, Inc.