ITV

Category: People

  • Zoomcar appoints Adarsh Menon as president

    Zoomcar appoints Adarsh Menon as president

    Mumbai: Zoomcar Holdings, Inc (Nasdaq: ZCAR), the leading marketplace for car sharing in emerging markets, has announced the appointment of Adarsh Menon as its president to lead its business. This announcement follows Zoomcar’s recent listing on NASDAQ following closing of its business combination. In his new role, Adarsh will be responsible for all aspects of growth, operations, and customer experience for the company.

    Adarsh is a seasoned industry leader with over 22 years of experience and has joined Zoomcar after an eight-and-a-half-year stint with Flipkart and a twelve-year stint with Hindustan Unilever.  In his last role at Flipkart, Adarsh was heading all Flipkart’s new businesses – ClearTrip (Travel ECom), Shopsy (Hypervalue ECom) and ReCommerce (Used Goods ECom) – a new and high-growth mandate comprising of independent diverse businesses newly acquired or launched.  

    From leading M&A to scaling multi-billion-dollar businesses, Adarsh has a strong track record in leading businesses of various life stages by building strong revenue moats, profit pools and alliances.

    He has built and led large high-performing, engaged and agile cross-functional teams and has mentored and groomed several industry leaders. He enjoys solving the complex problems associated with scaling up businesses to positions of dominance in India. He is passionate about leveraging technology to solve problems for India & Indian customers.

    Zoomcar CEO and co-founder Greg Moran said “Adarsh’s diverse skillsets and seasoned leadership will play an instrumental role in continuing to scale our business. I am confident that in his new role he will help excellently position the company as we embark on reaching new heights for our emerging market-focused peer2peer car sharing platform.”

    Zoomcar India president Adarsh Menon added “I am very excited to be leading Zoomcar’s business at this important new phase. At Zoomcar, we’re currently sitting on the cusp of a dramatic transformation within personal mobility, and I look forward to working closely with Greg and the broader Zoomcar team to help the company reach new heights.”

  • Dentsu Creative India appoints Nikhil Kumar as managing partner (West)

    Dentsu Creative India appoints Nikhil Kumar as managing partner (West)

    Mumbai: Dentsu Creative, the creative agency network of Dentsu India, has announced the appointment of Nikhil Kumar as managing partner (West)

    As per the mandate, Nikhil will be responsible for leading the West region, with a focus on growth and creative excellence & will be reporting to Indrajeet Mookherjee, President, of Dentsu Creative.

    Dentsu Creative is evolving by expanding beyond creative solutions to provide end-to-end marketing consultancy. It embraces Creative tech in both thinking and execution, going beyond traditional art and copy domains.

    Nikhil’s appointment aligns with the agency’s recent transformation, combining digital experts and brand specialists for seamless integration with media, CX, and data.

    Nikhil joined Dentsu Creative from Publicis Groupe, where he was an EVP and business head for a few key mandates. He has over 16 years of experience within the M&A industry. And has championed a few marketing roles in the initial stages of his career before transitioning into specialized fields of the agency ecosystem. Including P&L management, business consultancy, brand strategy, shopper science & even digital excellence.

    Speaking on the appointment, Indrajeet said, “The West will play a pivotal role in driving sustained growth & glory for the agency and we are certain with Nikhil’s past expertise across diverse functions of the marketing realm, he has the right ambition and attitude to take us on this journey ahead. We welcome him to our family and wish him the best in his current & future endeavours.”

    Nikhil added, “Dentsu Creative has been a formidable leader in its craft & has historically challenged the paradigm of what’s conventional. With its impeccable pool of talent & teams, I’m looking forward to this responsibility of collaborating and steering the agency in a direction that benefits our partners and us equally.”

  • Wunderman Thompson South Asia CEO, Shamsuddin Jasani, steps down

    Wunderman Thompson South Asia CEO, Shamsuddin Jasani, steps down

    Mumbai: Shamsuddin Jasani has announced he will be stepping down from the role of CEO at Wunderman Thompson South Asia.  

    Over the past two years, Jasani has accelerated the transformation of the agency to a modern day growth partner – delivering impactful solutions for clients across the entire customer journey. Under his leadership the agency won large competitive pitches including Skoda, Vivo,  Indigo, Hafele, NPCI, Rupay, Manyavar and Cult Sports, across Creative, MarTech and Commerce.

    Jasani reflected on the past two years stating: “It has been an amazing and rewarding two years at Wunderman Thompson and I’m proud of what we have achieved. During my time, we  have transformed the company into a partner that provides smart and impactful solutions to  crucial business problems – all powered by creative, tech and commerce.”

    “As the business continues its evolution, I believe my job is done. I am looking forward to a  new and exciting chapter in my life with an amazing opportunity. I thank everyone at  Wunderman Thompson – the clients, our partners and specially our team.” Jasani continued.

    Audrey Kuah, now Joint-CEO of VML APAC commented on Jasani’s commitment to the agency  over the past years: “With such a large and diverse market like India, I have seen Shams work  diligently to bring the offices and capabilities together. I would like to thank Shams for his  dedication to our business and wish him every success in his new endeavors.”  

    Jasani will move on to pursue a new opportunity with more to be announced in due course. 

  • Roadzen Appoints Jean-Noël Gallardo as global chief financial officer

    Roadzen Appoints Jean-Noël Gallardo as global chief financial officer

    Mumbai: Roadzen Inc, one of the global companies in AI-driven insurance and mobility solutions announced the appointment of Jean-Noël Gallardo as its new chief financial officer. Gallardo brings over two decades of experience in financial planning and analysis, treasury management, compliance, fundraising, and M&A, making him an integral addition to the Roadzen leadership team.

    With his extensive experience in insurtech, brokerage, and claims administration throughout the US and EU. Gallardo is ideally positioned to propel Roadzen’s continued expansion. He will play a crucial role in enhancing Roadzen’s financial and operational playbook, overseeing investor and analyst engagement, and steering strategic financial initiatives.

    Most recently, Gallardo was the vice president of finance at Aclaimant, Inc., an insurtech platform for safety and risk management. His prior roles include CFO of LJR Holdings, Inc., a privately-held California-based holding company with third-party claims administrator and managed care subsidiaries, vice president of finance for Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc., the risk management unit of international broker Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., and leading the FP&A function for CNA’s Small Commercial business. Gallardo began his career in investment banking, focusing on M&A for middle-market companies throughout North America. He earned his M.B.A. in Finance from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

    Jean-Noël Gallardo spoke about his new role and said, “I am thrilled to join Roadzen, a company that leads with innovation in mobility and insurance on a global scale. The company’s strong presence in key markets and its leadership in AI are particularly exciting to me as I take on the role of global chief financial officer. I am committed to driving strategic financial initiatives that will not only reinforce Roadzen’s position but will also create new pathways for sustained high growth.”

    Roadzen co-founder and CEO Rohan Malhotra, commented, “As we continue to strengthen our leadership at Roadzen, I am delighted to welcome Jean-Noël Gallardo to the team. His knowledge, experience, and exceptional track record in the insurance industry make him the perfect choice to guide Roadzen’s global financial strategy. I would also like to thank our outgoing CFO, Mohit Pasricha, who played a pivotal role in Roadzen’s journey to our public listing and continues to be a vital member of our leadership team.” 

  • HDFC securities appoints Puneeth Bekal as CMO

    HDFC securities appoints Puneeth Bekal as CMO

    Mumbai: Leading investment services provider HDFC securities has announced the appointment of Puneeth Bekal for the position of chief marketing officer (CMO) and executive vice president. Bekal will be heading the marketing department, and HDFC Sky – their flat pricing equity broking app launched in September 2023.

    Puneeth has over 19 years of experience in brands and marketing, with key expertise in brand strategy, marketing strategy, and digital marketing across industries and verticals. He was recently awarded as the 100 Most Influential Marketers by Business World and authored the prestigious Business World Marketing White Book. Before joining HSL, Puneeth worked for organizations including Mastercard, Godrej Group, Lodha Group, and Ceat Tyres. He holds a marketing degree from IIM-Calcutta. In his career spanning nearly two decades, he has worked in over 42 cities across India and 7 countries, giving him a deep understanding of India’s diverse culture and sense of global interconnectedness.

    Speaking on his appointment, HDFC securities chief marketing officer and executive vice president Puneeth Bekal said, “I am thrilled to embark on this journey with HDFC Securities, driving towards our shared vision of becoming the preeminent ally for financial investors. In a rapidly evolving landscape, we recognise the transformative power of cutting-edge technologies, and my commitment is to leverage these tools to unlock their full potential. The surge in over 10 crore new demat account openings in India since the pandemic, predominantly fueled by a wave of young and tech-savvy investors, underscores the dynamic shift in the financial landscape.

    As the newly appointed CMO at HDFC Securities and HDFC Sky, my immediate focus is to propel our digital capabilities to new heights, with a specific emphasis on HDFC Sky. This strategic initiative aims to position HDFC Sky as the undisputed investment platform of choice for the vibrant community of young and millennial investors across the nation. Through innovation, personalised experiences, and a commitment to trust, we aspire to redefine the landscape of financial services and solidify our standing as the go-to destination for the next generation of investors.”

    HDFC Securities MD & CEO Dhiraj Relli said, “Puneeth will be instrumental in crafting a new age, digital-first marketing ecosystem to lead HDFC Securities to stand out in the fragmented and evolving broking and distribution space in India. Puneeth’s enthusiasm and expertise will play a key role in the entire spectrum of HSL’s offerings ranging from our flat pricing offering – HDFC Sky to Investment advisory services.”

  • Abhishek Malik joins Virtue Worldwide as associate creative director

    Abhishek Malik joins Virtue Worldwide as associate creative director

    Mumbai: Virtue Worldwide, the agency powered by VICE Media Group, proudly announces the appointment of Abhishek Malik as associate creative director (Copy) for Virtue India. This strategic move underscores Virtue India’s commitment to enhancing its creative leadership with forward-thinking and culture-driven talent. Abhishek Malik’s journey in the advertising industry began in 2017 at DigitalLB Delhi, working on clients such as Canon, Tinder, Fortis, Comedy Central, and MTV Beats.

    Taking a break from advertising in 2018, Abhishek embarked on a storytelling tour across 20 cities with Foundonallfours, an artist collective. During this time he created more than 20 spoken-word pieces, poems, podcasts, and theater scripts, that were performed in diverse settings such as streets, cafes, living rooms, art galleries, classrooms, and boardrooms. Notably, he spent a month in Gunehar, Himachal Pradesh, as part of an artist residency, where he ran a storytelling workshop called ‘Kahani Ki Dukaan,’.

    Returning to advertising in 2019 with Schbang, Abhishek started as a Sr. creative strategist and swiftly rose to become a group creative manager in 2022, working on brands such as Fevicol, Ashok Leyland, Amazon Prime, Castrol India, and Dabur. In 2023, Abhishek Malik was recognized as one of the winners of Impact’s “TOP 30 under 30” young agency professionals in the A&M space.

    Virtue India creative head Hayden Scott shared his thoughts on Abhishek’s appointment, stating, “Abhishek, or Toto as we fondly call him, is exactly the kind of talent we hope to nurture at Virtue India. He understands India and Bharat with an intuitiveness that is incredible. I’m certain that his diverse experience as a storyteller across formats will help bring a unique nuance to the stories we create for our clients. I am so excited to have Toto on board and I can’t wait to see how his own story unfolds here at Virtue.”

    In response to his new role, Abhishek Malik, commented, “As a part of the VICE network, Virtue applies a distinctive cultural approach to building brands. This coupled with my own keen interest in Indian culture and insights, offers me the chance to create work that not only distinguishes itself but also tells stories that matter.”

  • Experian appoints Manish Jain as country managing director, India

    Experian appoints Manish Jain as country managing director, India

    Mumbai: Experian, a global information services company specialising in decisioning, data analytics, and technology has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Manish Jain as its new country managing director for experian in India. With a proven track record in driving business growth, fostering innovation, and leveraging technology, Manish brings a wealth of experience to lead Experian’s operations in the dynamic and evolving Indian market.  

    Manish Jain, a seasoned professional with an illustrious career spanning over two and half decades in financial services and technology, seamlessly aligns with Experian’s commitment to empower businesses and consumers with data-driven insights. Prior to joining Experian, Manish led transformative initiatives in global organisations, ensuring sustainable business expansion. With an exceptional ability to navigate complex markets and a keen understanding of industry trends, Manish is poised to drive Experian’s continued growth in India.

    As the former co-founder and CEO of Excelrate, Manish advised organisations on their growth strategies and implemented large-scale plans in the banking industry for the faster realisation of their revenue goals. Before Excelrate, he held leadership roles in the credit bureau industry for over 12 years, driving growth and earning recognition as a thought leader in the industry.

    Commenting on Manish’s appointment, Experian CEO, APAC, and EMEA Malin Holmberg said, “We are thrilled to welcome Manish Jain to augment Experian’s operations in India. We are confident that under his guidance, Experian will enhance its ability to provide market-leading solutions to our clients. His passion for leveraging technology to address business challenges aligns perfectly with Experian’s mission to harness the power of data to drive positive outcomes and transform lives.”

    “I am excited to join Experian and honoured with the prospects of partnering with the industry in shaping India’s credit eco-system, enabling individuals, businesses, and country’s aspirations. I look forward to leading the talented team at Experian to drive meaningful impact for our clients and the community at large,” said Manish Jain on his appointment.

    As the country managing director, Manish will lead Experian’s strategic initiatives, drive business growth, and cultivate strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders. His role will be instrumental in shaping Experian’s future in India, playing a crucial role in facilitating financial inclusion and empowering businesses and individuals.

  • Ritesh Singh joins icogz as chief growth officer

    Ritesh Singh joins icogz as chief growth officer

    Mumbai: icogz Ltd, a data analytics company with operations across India, MENA, UK and Canada is delighted to announce the appointment of Ritesh Singh as the chief growth officer based in Canada. Ritesh, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in building high-growth businesses. As a digital transformation leader, he has led global teams and has been instrumental in growing brands across geographies & sectors. He will lead the icogz partnerships to drive the company’s vision.

    Established by Amit Tripathi, icogz is a business intelligence platform empowering brand leaders in making meaningful decisions and fostering business growth. The BI platform facilitates informed decision-making by synthesising diverse and disparate data from diverse platforms and delivering real-time actionable insights.

    Continuing his entrepreneurial spirit, Singh said, “I was inspired by Amit’s vision for icogz and with Stalwarts like Meenakshi Menon as the chairperson of icogz & Bicky Carlra as a leading partner of the business, there were no questions left on the table. Joining icogz as part of the leadership team with key responsibility of driving global business growth, I look forward to leveraging my entrepreneurial experience to drive innovation, expand market presence, and deliver exceptional value to all shareholders.”

    icogz MD Amit Tripathi expressed his confidence in Ritesh’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Ritesh in the leadership team. His extensive experience being one of the leaders in expanding the digital ecosystem in India, his entrepreneurial spirit aligns perfectly with our goals for icogz. I look forward to working closely with Ritesh as we undertake the journey to make icogz a leading BI company in the world.”

    Before joining icogz, Ritesh spearheaded his own digital enterprise, where he continues to be an equity partner. Under his visionary leadership his enterprise emerged as a prominent player in the digital consulting space with over 170 team members, collaborating with national and multinational brands to achieve their growth objectives. Ritesh’s journey in the digital domain includes leadership roles at MEC Interaction and Starcom MediaVest Group, where he achieved remarkable milestones in business growth and global relationship management.

  • Tejus Jose appointed as ibis and ibis Styles India’s director of operations

    Tejus Jose appointed as ibis and ibis Styles India’s director of operations

    Mumbai: Tejus Jose has been appointed as the director of operations for ibis and ibis Styles India, a key portfolio within one of the top hospitality groups- Accor Hotels. Tejus will bring his expertise to guide and shape the operational landscape. This transition marks a significant chapter for both Tejus and the dynamic hospitality brand he is now a part of.

    Tejus Jose will be overseeing operations for 21 hotels located across 14 cities in India. Notably, this announcement comes on the heels of the recent unveiling of ibis Styles Goa Vagator, the latest property under the collaboration between InterGlobe Hotels and Accor.

    Bringing a wealth of experience to the role, Tejus Jose has had an impressive career in the hospitality sector spanning over 23 years. His expertise includes hotel management, sales and marketing, with notable contributions at premier hospitality companies and international brands. Prior to joining ibis, he served as the general manager at the first Hilton in Bengaluru, the Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks. Tejus was one of the first employees of Accor in India, starting at the iconic Hyderabad International Convention Centre and thereafter went on to manage a few Accor hotels as general manager.

    Tejus Jose’s diverse professional journey has seen him take on various roles, from sales manager to leading operations at renowned hotels across various cities, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta, majoring in strategy.

    Tejus’s appointment signals a new era of leadership and growth for ibis & ibis Styles India, promising enhanced guest experiences and operational excellence.
     

  • GroupM appoints Gurpreet Singh as head of performance for GroupM Nexus India

    GroupM appoints Gurpreet Singh as head of performance for GroupM Nexus India

    Mumbai: GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, has announced the  appointment of Gurpreet Singh as the head of performance at GroupM Nexus in India. He brings  with him more than 15 years’ experience in the digital marketing industry and has carved a niche  for himself in the performance marketing domain. He joins the GroupM Nexus India team from  Performics- Publicis Groupe, where he held the position of Managing Partner.  

    In his new position at GroupM Nexus, Singh will be responsible for driving a high-performance  culture. He will play a pivotal role in deploying the latest technology, data, and automation  solutions. His expertise in handling diverse sectors in digital marketing will prove to be critical in  powering the next era of performance media at GroupM Nexus in India.

    Singh excels in formulating intricate strategies tailored for large-scale performance media  campaigns. His expertise extends towards efficiently supervising and guiding teams, ensuring  seamless execution of projects, and achieving optimal Return on Investment (ROI) for clients.

    GroupM Nexus India president Priti Murthy said, “Gurpreet will assume the key  responsibility of cultivating a culture of high performance. He will be committed to ensuring that  individuals within GroupM have the necessary resources and motivation to succeed. I am confident  that they will benefit immensely from the integration of cutting-edge technology, data-driven  approaches, and automation solutions which will be helmed under him. Additionally, his sharp  focus on customer centricity will enable us to deliver incremental growth for GroupM agencies.”

    GroupM India president –   Data, Performance and Digital Products Atique Kazi said,  “Gurpreet’s expertise will strengthen the performance vertical within GroupM. He will be crucial in  implementing automation, data, and technological solutions for GroupM in India, ensuring  maximizing ROI for clients. We are certain that his expertise will help the company continue to  deliver innovative solutions for clients.”

    Singh said, “I am thrilled to be a part  of this dynamic team and eager to apply my experience and expertise to deploy advanced  technologies and automation initiatives across GroupM. I truly believe in the vision of building the World’s largest performance capability engine and look forward to unlocking the next era of  performance for GroupM.”

    He also holds the distinction of being a member of Google’s inaugural “Google Insiders” cohort  and the first batch of Meta Select 2021. He was also recognized as one of the Top 30 under 30 by  Impact magazine and earned a distinct position among the top 25 digital planners in India in 2015.